fennel

noun

fen·​nel ˈfe-nᵊl 

1

: a perennial Eurasian herb (Foeniculum vulgare) that has clusters of small yellow flowers and aromatic leaves and seeds and includes several cultivated forms: such as

a

: one (F. vulgare var. dulce) grown especially for its edible leaves and seeds that are used as a seasoning

b

: florence fennel

2

: the edible parts (such as the seeds and leaves) of fennel

Did you know?

A perennial aromatic herb of the parsley family, fennel is native to southern Europe and Asia Minor and cultivated in the US, Britain, and temperate areas of Eurasia. The blanched shoots are eaten as a vegetable. The greenish brown to yellowish brown oblong-oval seeds smell and taste similar to anise. The seeds and extracted oil are used for scenting soaps and perfumes and for flavoring candies, liqueurs, medicines, and foods, particularly pastries, sweet pickles, and fish.

Examples of fennel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bright ruby red/light purple; aromas of plum, myrtle, juniper, fennel, anise and lavender. —Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

This gives everyone on the Green Team eight ingredients to choose from (shiso, ginger, eggplant, lamb, scallops, chile crisp, nectarines, and panko bread crumbs) and the Purple Team four (fennel, toro, pretzels, curry). —Caroline Framke, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025

Rich and engaging sweet and sour aromas of red cherries, fennel, sage and plums. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025

Fennel-Cello is made with the leftover fennel root ends, stems and leaves the restaurant uses for an oyster dish, blended with lemon peels and sugar and topped with Everclear. —Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fenel, from Old English finugl, from Vulgar Latin *fenuculum, from Latin feniculum fennel, irregular diminutive of fenum hay

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fennel

• dog fennel
• Florence fennel

Rhymes for fennel

• chenille
• henle
• kennel
• antennal
• departmental

Kids Definition

fennel

noun

fen·​nel ˈfen-ᵊl 

: a garden plant related to the carrot that is grown for its fragrant seeds and needle-shaped leaflets

Medical Definition

fennel

noun

fen·​nel ˈfen-ᵊl 

: a perennial European herb (Foeniculum vulgare) of the carrot family (Umbelliferae) introduced into North America and cultivated for its aromatic seeds and its foliage