star anise
noun
: the small brown star-shaped pungent fruit of a Chinese and Vietnamese tree (Illicium verum) that has a flavor similar to but stronger than anise and is dried and used whole or ground as a spice especially in Chinese cooking
Examples of star anise in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The other is a gravy fortified with star anise, cinnamon, soy sauce and sugar.
—
Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
The star anise and cinnamon add a subtle warmth and spice that rounds out the fruit nicely.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025
The flavors feature pickled ginger, black pepper, and vanilla with star anise.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Compact, ripe tannins carry flavors of cocoa powder and cola spice, as well as suggestions of clove, star anise, and allspice.
—Brian Freedman, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
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Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
The star anise and cinnamon add a subtle warmth and spice that rounds out the fruit nicely.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025
The flavors feature pickled ginger, black pepper, and vanilla with star anise.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Compact, ripe tannins carry flavors of cocoa powder and cola spice, as well as suggestions of clove, star anise, and allspice.
—Brian Freedman, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for star anise
Cite this Entry
“Star anise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/star%20anise. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.
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