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 var. dulce) grown especially for its edible leaves and seeds that are used as a seasoning
b
2
: the edible parts (such as the seeds and leaves) of fennel
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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
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The hits continue in the entrees with a crispy hogfish with fennel, heirloom tomatoes and a ginger sesame sauce and a calabaza gnocchi with maitake mushrooms, goat cheese and chili crunch.
—
Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025
The $595 meal serves four people and includes fennel and caraway spiced turkey breast, smoked turkey leg confit plus sides such as roasted squash and Brussels sprouts, and a rich pumpkin pie and sweets box.
—Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Vanilla continues onto the palate but morphs into custard form, complemented by notes of fennel pollen, a hint of banana, a healthy dose of spice, and a bit of leather and oak.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2024
Instead, a blush-pink broth—silky and luscious—boasts a range of complex flavors: tangy pickled fennel, meaty maitake mushrooms, and hints of zingy ginger completely steal the show.
—The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 21 Oct. 2024
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Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025
The $595 meal serves four people and includes fennel and caraway spiced turkey breast, smoked turkey leg confit plus sides such as roasted squash and Brussels sprouts, and a rich pumpkin pie and sweets box.
—Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Vanilla continues onto the palate but morphs into custard form, complemented by notes of fennel pollen, a hint of banana, a healthy dose of spice, and a bit of leather and oak.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2024
Instead, a blush-pink broth—silky and luscious—boasts a range of complex flavors: tangy pickled fennel, meaty maitake mushrooms, and hints of zingy ginger completely steal the show.
—The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fennel
Dictionary Entries Near fennel
Cite this Entry
“Fennel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fennel. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fennel
noun
fen·nel
ˈfen-ᵊl 
: 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
: 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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