'anisette' originates from French, specifically the word 'anisette', where 'anis' meant 'anise' (the plant/seed) and the suffix '-ette' indicated a diminutive or derived form.

'anisette' changed from the French word 'anisette' (a diminutive of 'anis') and was adopted into English in the 18th century as 'anisette'.

Initially, it meant 'a little or derived thing related to anise', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'anise-flavored liqueur'.