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

For example, in India, a baby’s first meal may be kheer (a type of rice porridge made with cardamom), khichdi (a rice and lentil porridge with turmeric, cumin, and ginger), or daal (a dish made with lentils, peas, and beans and seasoned with cumin, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and chili). —Katrina Donham, Parents, 25 Feb. 2026

Or order the mofawar, medium-roast coffee with cardamom and cream. —Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026

Try it with turmeric, cardamom, cayenne, paprika, coriander, allspice, cloves, oregano, cinnamon, thyme, cilantro, and garlic. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2026

The halal shop down the block smelled like goat meat and cardamom. —Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 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