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

According to the product photo, the scent is Moroccan mint, cardamom and tea leaves. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025

Cultural offerings include the Yemeni latte (with honey, cinnamon, cardamom, clove, ginger), pistachio latte, pistachio croissants, Adeni chai (black tea with cardamom and ginger), sticky date cake, and more. —Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025

Just sprinkle cinnamon or cardamom onto your coffee grounds before brewing. —Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2025

Outside, the aroma of turmeric, cardamom, and garam masala mingles with the sweet haze of incense drifting down the street and masking the underworld accused of hiding just around the corner. —Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025

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