anise

noun

an·​ise ˈa-nəs 

 also  ə-ˈnēs

: a Eurasian annual herb (Pimpinella anisum) of the carrot family having carminative and aromatic seeds

also : aniseed

Examples of anise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Take a sip to find agave-first flavors, with additional notes of bright citrus, cinnamon and anise. —Kevin Gray, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024

At the core of it are herbs—grand wormwood, green anise, and fennel—that are infused and re-distilled and flavored usually with more herbs like angelica, star anise, licorice root, and others. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2024

The 1,300-square-foot location at 837 Madison Avenue, dressed entirely in the brand’s signature anise green shade and appointed with unique furniture finds, is slated to open to the public on Friday during New York Fashion Week, with a celebratory event scheduled for Sept. 12. —Miles Socha, WWD, 5 Sep. 2024

Arak, a traditional Levantine spirit with flavors of anise and licorice, is prevalent in the cocktails too, while the wines lean toward the natural. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English anis, from Anglo-French, from Latin anisum, from Greek annēson, anison

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing anise

• star anise

Kids Definition

anise

noun

an·​ise ˈan-əs 

: an herb that is related to the carrot and produces seeds with an aroma

also : aniseed

Medical Definition

anise

noun

an·​ise ˈan-əs 

: an herb (Pimpinella anisum) of the family Umbelliferae having carminative and aromatic seeds

also : aniseed