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
Recent Examples on the Web
Though human research is limited, herbal teas like peppermint, ginger, fennel, chamomile, and more may help ease digestive discomfort.
—
Johna Burdeos, Health, 10 Feb. 2025
Get The Recipe 09 of 25 Lemony Shrimp Pasta
Flex your cooking expertise with this stunning pasta, featuring plump pink shrimp, sweet fennel, and fresh basil.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2025
Herbs: Anise, basil, borage, chives, dill, fennel, lemon balm, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, sweet marjoram, tarragon, and thyme.
—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2025
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, 31 Jan. 2025
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Johna Burdeos, Health, 10 Feb. 2025
Get The Recipe 09 of 25 Lemony Shrimp Pasta
Flex your cooking expertise with this stunning pasta, featuring plump pink shrimp, sweet fennel, and fresh basil.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2025
Herbs: Anise, basil, borage, chives, dill, fennel, lemon balm, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, sweet marjoram, tarragon, and thyme.
—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2025
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, 31 Jan. 2025
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 16 Feb. 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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