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

Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and 1/2 cup brown sugar in a large bowl. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 10 July 2026

Even more than Stinnerbom’s cardamom bun — which some praise as the best in Oslo — the more elemental cinnamon notes, enhanced with lemon zest and juice, allow the sourdough’s multifaceted dimensions to come through. — Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Arid deserts, tall grasses, sandalwood heating up with cardamom and other spices—this rugged solar floral has it all. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 28 June 2026

Pink pepper, cardamom, bergamot, and eucalyptus lift you up, but then a wash of wet, green notes takes over—patchouli, petrichor, soil, moss, and amber woods. — Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 25 June 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