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

Women’s oxytocin levels increased after exposure to lavender, neroli, jasmine absolute, roman chamomile, clary sage and Indian sandalwood oils, one study showed. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025

Infused with skin-loving botanicals like aloe vera, chamomile, and ginseng, Palladio’s 2-n-1 tint hydrates wherever applied and leaves behind a kiss of color. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Aug. 2025

The wine features aromas of yellow plum, pear, chamomile, and buttery pastry. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025

For starters, try planting dill around your brassicas, basil beneath your nightshades, or low-growing Corsican mint or Roman chamomile around any plants that need insect pollination. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 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