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

The scent starts with a burst of cardamom and grapefruit, before melting into white chocolate and white florals (like jasmine), all anchored by sandalwood and cedarwood. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 21 July 2026

There’s something very aphrodisiac, but elevated about cardamom. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

Chai Maintenance blends spiced chai with lemonade and adds a cardamom-sugar rim. — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Add cardamom and/or ginger to the cinnamon, then eat these with fresh peach jam in the summer. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 20 July 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