cardamom

noun car·da·mom \ ˈkär-də-məm , -ˌmäm \

Updated on: 26 Apr 2018

Definition of cardamom

: the aromatic capsular fruit of an Indian herb (Elettaria cardamomum) of the ginger family with seeds used as a spice or condiment and in medicine; also : this plant

See cardamom defined for English-language learners

Examples of cardamom in a Sentence

a tablespoon of ground cardamom

Recent Examples of cardamom from the Web

Toast cardamom seeds, peppercorns, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds in a dry small skillet over medium-high heat, swirling often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

— andy baraghani, Bon Appetit, "Yemenite Green Hot Sauce (Zhug)," 19 Mar. 2018
The maple red curry syrup is infused with coriander, cumin, chili pepper, and cardamom, and is so aromatic the scent will follow you ($10 for 3.45 ounces; $20 for 8.45 ounces).

— ann trieger kurland, BostonGlobe.com, "Move over maple? Birch syrup takes root," 9 Apr. 2018
Their hypoallergenic and cruelty-free provenance make fragrances from Skylar Body a naturally fresh festival fit, especially the Isle scent, which is made with sugar cane alcohol, bergamot, cardamom and sandalwood. $78.

— kavita daswani, latimes.com, "Forget about the flower crowns for Coachella. Try these fashion picks on for size," 5 Apr. 2018
Its flavors are then intricately layered with cardamom, ginseng, goji berries, Chinese dates, angelica root, ginger, and chilies.

— craig laban, Philly.com, "Warming up to Chinese hot pot at Little Sheep," 5 Apr. 2018
Dream job alert for dairy lovers: Noosa, the company that brought the world blackberry-serrano and pear and cardamom yogurt, is looking for a few yogurt superfans to travel the world looking for the next great flavor.

— melissa locker, Time, "This Company Wants You to Travel the World as a Professional ‘Flavor Finder'," 4 Apr. 2018
Herbs: Anise, basil, bay laurel, borage, cardamom, chives, coriander, dill, borage, ginger, lemon balm, oregano, Mexican tarragon, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, savory, sweet marjoram and thyme.

— tom maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "April in the garden," 31 Mar. 2018
Now add your second charge of lighter botanicals: the allspice, cardamom, orris root, ginger, grapefruit peel, rosemary, vanilla bean, rhubarb root, rosebuds, calendula, and yarrow.

— jacqueline detwiler, Popular Mechanics, "Learn to Make Amaro and Fashion Your Own Take on Fernet-Branca," 22 Mar. 2018
This verdant version of it, made by a California vendor, is packed with jalapeño, cilantro, cumin, cardamom, garlic, and chile flakes.

— alex van buren, Health.com, "9 Things to Add to Your Trader Joe's Shopping List This Spring," 22 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cardamom.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cardamom

Latin cardamomum, from Greek kardamōmon, blend of kardamon peppergrass and amōmon, an Indian spice plant

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1553

in the meaning defined above

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CARDAMOM Defined for English Language Learners

cardamom

noun

Definition of cardamom for English Language Learners

: the seeds of an Asian plant that are used as a spice in cooking and baking

Medical Dictionary

cardamom

noun car·da·mom \ ˈkärd-ə-məm, -ˌmäm \

medical Definition of cardamom

: 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