'aniseed' originates from Middle English, specifically from Middle English 'anis' or 'aniseed', ultimately from Old French 'anis', from Latin 'anisum', which in turn came from Greek 'άνησον' ('ánēson').

'aniseed' changed from Old French 'anis' and Latin 'anisum' into Middle English forms such as 'anis'/'aniseed', and eventually became the modern English word 'aniseed'.

Initially it referred specifically to the seed of the anise plant ('anise seed'), and over time its meaning has remained largely the same, extending also to flavored products (oils, extracts, and liqueurs).