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

Old Tom gins still feature juniper, but the sweetness allows for other botanicals, such as licorice or anise, to shine through. —Emily Price, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Another ingredient, anise, gives the spirit a black licorice flavor, and Neeley was always the type of kid who didn’t shy away from black jellybeans. —Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 29 Oct. 2024

Take a sip to find agave-first flavors, with additional notes of bright citrus, cinnamon and anise. —Kevin Gray, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024

At the core of it are herbs—grand wormwood, green anise, and fennel—that are infused and re-distilled and flavored usually with more herbs like angelica, star anise, licorice root, and others. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 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