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

On the nose, find an enticing bouquet of mint, cinnamon, anise and brown sugar, followed by a palate that balances notes of ginger, tobacco and blood orange with a long, dramatic finish of allspice, herbs, tobacco and oak. —Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 2 Dec. 2024

The Peychaud’s Bitters, all cherry and anise as opposed to Angostura Bitters’ cinnamon and clove, combines with the herbal pop of absinthe and the spicy backbone of the rye to create something wholly new. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 19 Sep. 2024

A touch of mint and anise adds a refreshing, herbal note. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

Tasting notes include spiced apple and honey with a finish of aged oak, leather, apple, earth and anise. —Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 1 Nov. 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