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

Star anise is often used alongside other spices, so consider adding peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, cardamom or other hard spices to the homemade sachet. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026

Alongside the amber is nutty cardamom and leathery vanilla bean pods. —Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026

Snack on a Umm Ali pastry while sipping a karak chai (the local spiced tea, a mix of black tea, cardamom and condensed milk found on every street corner). —Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Shorter wear time This lightweight body spray offers an approachable way to try matcha with notes of cardamom and bergamot that open the scent, followed by matcha and rose, and musk and white amber at the base. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 29 Jan. 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