fennel

noun

fen·​nel ˈfe-nᵊl How to pronounce fennel (audio)
1
: a perennial Eurasian herb (Foeniculum vulgare) that has clusters of small yellow flowers and aromatic leaves and seeds and includes several cultivated forms: such as
a
: one (F. vulgare dulce) grown especially for its edible leaves and seeds that are used as a seasoning
2
: the edible parts (such as the seeds and leaves) of fennel

Did you know?

A perennial aromatic herb of the parsley family, fennel is native to southern Europe and Asia Minor and cultivated in the US, Britain, and temperate areas of Eurasia. The blanched shoots are eaten as a vegetable. The greenish brown to yellowish brown oblong-oval seeds smell and taste similar to anise. The seeds and extracted oil are used for scenting soaps and perfumes and for flavoring candies, liqueurs, medicines, and foods, particularly pastries, sweet pickles, and fish.

Examples of fennel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Pour the sauce over the chops and serve with the fennel salad. Christopher Kimball, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2024 This wine has loads of citrus and florals and a chamomile note that brings out the fennel in the abalone recipe. Sunset Magazine, 25 Jan. 2024 Menu highlights include Neapolitan-style pizza, an Italian birria sandwich and Italian pork rubbed with wild fennel pollen, cooked for six hours and served with potatoes. Endia Fontanez, The Arizona Republic, 8 Jan. 2024 Fennel, Persimmon Pomegranate Salad An orange vinaigrette balances out the astringency of radicchio and subtle anise flavor of fennel in this fall salad. G. Daniela Galarza, Washington Post, 20 Nov. 2023 Instructions Step 1 Make the mala spice mix: In a medium wok or skillet set over medium-low heat, toast the chiles, cumin, fennel, cloves, cardamom, and star anise until fragrant, 3–4 minutes. Jing Gao, Saveur, 31 Jan. 2024 Add the fennel, scallions and parsley, then toss to combine. Christopher Kimball, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2024 Founded by Sydney transplants Rob and Kate Joseph, the restaurant serves dishes common in Australia but rarely found in the U.S. Popular items include meat pies like a pork and fennel sausage roll and pastries like the almond frangipane croissant. David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2024 Add the onion and fennel and saute until softened, about 2 minutes. Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fennel.' 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 fenel, from Old English finugl, from Vulgar Latin *fenuculum, from Latin feniculum fennel, irregular diminutive of fenum hay

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fennel was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near fennel

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

fennel

noun
fen·​nel ˈfen-ᵊl How to pronounce fennel (audio)
: a garden plant related to the carrot that is grown for its fragrant seeds and needle-shaped leaflets

Medical Definition

fennel

noun
fen·​nel ˈfen-ᵊl How to pronounce fennel (audio)
: a perennial European herb (Foeniculum vulgare) of the carrot family (Umbelliferae) introduced into North America and cultivated for its aromatic seeds and its foliage

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