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
Her pasta with spicy broccoli and cauliflower employs capers, anchovy, garlic, fennel seeds, chile flakes and olives to electrify what would could otherwise be monotone.
—
Scott Hocker, theweek, 14 Nov. 2024
Celery is a vegetable that grows above ground and belongs to the Apiaceae family – the same family of vegetables that carrots, cumin, parsley, fennel and parsnips belong to.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2024
Toss salad greens with dressing: Combine greens and fennel in a large bowl.
—Julia Levy, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024
Apple, Fennel & Herb Stuffing: Herbs, including thyme, rosemary, and fennel, are captured in this scented candle reminiscent of traditional Thanksgiving stuffing.
—Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fennel 
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Scott Hocker, theweek, 14 Nov. 2024
Celery is a vegetable that grows above ground and belongs to the Apiaceae family – the same family of vegetables that carrots, cumin, parsley, fennel and parsnips belong to.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2024
Toss salad greens with dressing: Combine greens and fennel in a large bowl.
—Julia Levy, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024
Apple, Fennel & Herb Stuffing: Herbs, including thyme, rosemary, and fennel, are captured in this scented candle reminiscent of traditional Thanksgiving stuffing.
—Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 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 29 Nov. 2024.
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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