anise

noun

an·​ise ˈa-nəs How to pronounce anise (audio)
 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 Moet’s usual floral bouquet flourishes upon being poured, with lively bubbles and a scent of anise. John Mariani, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 Then the palate opens with oak and grain, and evolves from there into classic bourbon notes of caramel, brown sugar, baked apple, cinnamon, and molasses, with just a touch of anise on the finish. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 2 Feb. 2024 Made with a non-alcoholic apéritif, charred grapefruit and tonic, the drink carries the complex anise, citrus and bitter notes of a boozy negroni without the alcohol. Jim Harrington, The Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2024 On the nose, the expression is fresh and teems with wet green grass on an apple orchard, vanilla bean, and a touch of anise. Karla Alindahao, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 There’s also a bit of anise and menthol on the finish, which lingers for a while before fading away. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 12 Nov. 2023 Creative Pairing: Cognac Sazerac Cognac is, of course, made from grapes, and its vibrant fruit character—combined with the anise of absinthe and the cherry of Peychaud’s Bitters—beautifully enhances the creamy intensity of foie gras. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 12 Nov. 2023 On the finish there’s a slight tannic bitterness, some anise, flambéed pear, and cherry. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2023 Pleasing and balanced set of full aromas of red cherries, pine, anise, wet earth and cocoa. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anise.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of anise was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near anise

Cite this Entry

“Anise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anise. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

anise

noun
an·​ise ˈan-əs How to pronounce anise (audio)
: an herb that is related to the carrot and produces seeds with an aroma
also : aniseed

Medical Definition

anise

noun
an·​ise ˈan-əs How to pronounce anise (audio)
: an herb (Pimpinella anisum) of the family Umbelliferae having carminative and aromatic seeds
also : aniseed

More from Merriam-Webster on anise

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