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 Its formula contains vitamin E, squalane, shea butter, sea fennel, and aloe vera; these ingredients keep moisture locked in for hours and provide nourishing hydration to even the toughest spots. Mia Huelsbeck, Peoplemag, 22 Apr. 2024 Best for: Bloat, gas Key ingredients: Peppermint leaf, lemon balm, fennel, anise (licorice), and caraway Pros: Vegan; affordable Cons: The pills may have a strong smell and taste. Marilyn La Jeunesse, Glamour, 12 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fennel 

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 3 May. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on fennel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!