star anise

noun

: the small brown star-shaped pungent fruit of a Chinese and Vietnamese tree (Illicium verum) that has a flavor similar to but stronger than anise and is dried and used whole or ground as a spice especially in Chinese cooking

Examples of star anise in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bo kho is a Vietnamese dish of beef braised in a flavorful broth with lemongrass, star anise, cinnamon, and garlic, commonly eaten with baguette. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026 The warm flavors of star anise, anise seed, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger flavor these simple skewers served with peanut sauce. — Jasmine Thompson, Midwest Living, 25 July 2026 Flavors of black cherry, star anise, and mint are set into downy tannins that linger on the palate. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 17 June 2026 The Vandy’s showcase restaurant item is fried chicken brined with ginger, lemongrass and star anise. — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for star anise

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of star anise was in 1838

Rhymes for star anise

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Browse Nearby Words

star
star anise
star aniseed
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Cite this Entry

“Star anise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/star%20anise. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on star anise

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about star anise

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