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

Example: Empirical Cilantro: Empirical Cilantro is a spirit with a fresh citrus aroma and herbal notes, followed by a dry mineral finish with hints of fennel and green tomato. —Rachel King, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

And the uniqueness of the fennel and its licorice-like taste and freshness, along with its crunch, bring this salad to a whole new level. —Julia Levy, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024

Fluke Milanese appears on the as a minimalist adult fish stick paired with a petite salad of watercress, fennel, and shiso. —Caroline Hatchett, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2024

Gusto Bread’s Pan de Muerto Arturo Enciso of Gusto Bread makes these fluffy sweet breads, scented with orange zest and fennel, for celebrating Día de Muertos at his bakery in Long Beach. —Betty Hallock, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024

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

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