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
Next was tuna sashimi, fennel salad, samphire and liquorice, orange and ginger nage.
—
Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 25 July 2025
Smoked duck breast with Jerusalem artichoke; Trout gravlax with fennel confit and a fine Artisanal platter with local cheeses, meat and fish are among the menu highlights.
—Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Fennel: With its fine, feathery foliage and yellow umbels, fennel adds texture and movement.
—Lauren Dunec Hoang, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2025
Herbal teas like ginger, chamomile, peppermint, or fennel may help reduce inflammation and spasms.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for fennel
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Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 25 July 2025
Smoked duck breast with Jerusalem artichoke; Trout gravlax with fennel confit and a fine Artisanal platter with local cheeses, meat and fish are among the menu highlights.
—Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Fennel: With its fine, feathery foliage and yellow umbels, fennel adds texture and movement.
—Lauren Dunec Hoang, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2025
Herbal teas like ginger, chamomile, peppermint, or fennel may help reduce inflammation and spasms.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for fennel
Cite this Entry
“Fennel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fennel. Accessed 7 Aug. 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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