cardamom

noun

car·​da·​mom ˈkär-də-məm 

-ˌmäm

: the aromatic capsular fruit of an Indian herb (Elettaria cardamomum) of the ginger family with seeds used as a spice and in medicine

also : this plant

Examples of cardamom in a Sentence

a tablespoon of ground cardamom

Recent Examples on the Web

Pink pepper, cardamom, bergamot, and eucalyptus lift you up, but then a wash of wet, green notes takes over—patchouli, petrichor, soil, moss, and amber woods. — Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 25 June 2026

For beverages, the bar has the usual tea and coffee preparations – the latter with beans from San Francisco’s Grand Coffee – as well as cardamom lattes and cardamom cold brew. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 23 June 2026

Leveraging years of experience developed at Brunello Cucinelli and Prada, the designer used a beautiful palette of colors, the hues reflecting the spices of each location, from nutmeg and cardamom to ginger, cinnamon and vanilla, and those of the Mediterranean Sea. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 June 2026

For extra flavor, add cinnamon, cardamom, or vanilla extract, suggests Ehsani. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 19 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin cardamomum, from Greek kardamōmon, blend of kardamon peppergrass and amōmon, an Indian spice plant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

cardamom

noun

car·​da·​mom ˈkärd-ə-məm, -ˌmäm 

: the aromatic capsular fruit of an Indian herb (Elettaria cardamomum) of the ginger family with seeds used as a spice and in medicine

also : this plant