chamomile

noun

cham·​o·​mile ˈka-mə-ˌmī(-ə)l  -ˌmēl 

variants or camomile

1

: a perennial composite (see composite entry 1 sense 1b) herb (Chamaemelum nobile synonym Anthemis nobilis) of Europe and North Africa with aromatic (see aromatic entry 1 sense 1) foliage and flower heads

2

: any of several composite plants (such as genera Matricaria and Anthemis) related to chamomile

especially : an annual Eurasian herb (M. chamomilla synonym M. recutita) naturalized (see naturalize sense 4) in North America

3

: the dried flower heads of chamomile that are often used in making tea and that yield an essential oil possessing medicinal properties

Illustration of chamomile

Examples of chamomile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Topical Chamomile Tea Some studies suggest that chamomile may help manage skin inflammation.7 Although research on the effects of chamomile tea for sunburn is limited and based on older studies, topical application might provide relief for mild sunburn in a small area. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 5 Aug. 2025

Aloe soothes and hydrates, chamomile calms sensitivity, and antioxidant-rich ginseng helps revitalize tired skin. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Aug. 2025

Elsewhere, this research identified that, when looking at depression relief, bitter orange, Persian lavender and chamomile tea – featuring in two trials each – had positive outcomes. —New Atlas, 14 July 2025

The July 19 class will focus on stevia and horseradish, and July 26 will look at chamomile and sage. —Beth Lipoff, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English camemille, from Medieval Latin camomilla, modification of Latin chamaemelon, from Greek chamaimēlon, from chamai + mēlon apple

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

chamomile

noun

cham·​o·​mile

variants or camomile

ˈkam-ə-ˌmīl,

-ˌmēl

1

: an herb related to the daisies with strong-scented leaves and flower heads

2

: the dried flower heads of chamomile often used in making tea

Medical Definition

chamomile

noun

cham·​o·​mile

variants or camomile

ˈkam-ə-ˌmīl  -ˌmēl 

1

a

: a composite herb (Chamaemelum nobile synonym Anthemis nobilis) of Europe and Africa having aromatic flower heads

b

: any of several related composite plants (genera Anthemis and Matricaria)

especially : a Eurasian herb of the genus Matricaria (M. recutita synonym M. chamomilla) naturalized in North America

2

: the dried flower heads of a chamomile that are often used in making tea and that yield an essential oil possessing medicinal properties