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

There are three caffeine strengths to choose from — Single Shot, Double Shot and Triple Shot, for the biggest buzz — and several different flavors, like cardamom, cacao nib and coconut. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 8 Sep. 2026

Add 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 2 teaspoons allspice, and 2 teaspoons cardamom. — Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 Sep. 2026

Nightcap is a deliciously addictive gourmand, blending cozy vanilla and rich woods with sparkling ginger and cardamom for a spicy-sweet twist. — Allure Editors, Allure, 31 Aug. 2026

The most pleasant foliar fragrance my nose has encountered was that of green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), a relative of ginger. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 Aug. 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