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
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The exact mix can vary, but the traditional version typically includes star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds, though some variations might include other spices like ginger or cardamom. Jess Thomson, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 Add the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and nutmeg. Jillian Dara, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise and honey and stir until honey is fully melted and combined. The View, ABC News, 27 Nov. 2024 The fragrant marinade of soy sauce, star anise, and cinnamon infuses the yolks with a satisfying salty-sweet flavor and gives the whites an antique, marbled appearance. Megan Zhang, Saveur, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for star anise 

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of star anise was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near star anise

Cite this Entry

“Star anise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/star%20anise. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

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