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

This spicy, cozy take on citrus opens with mandarin and bergamot, then quickly warms up with the addition of cardamom, petitgrain, and a luscious base of amber and cedar. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Aug. 2026

Historically, the Jewish community played a major role in the spice trade in Kochi, a hub for black pepper, cardamom and nutmeg. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026

Arabic coffee, in particular, is often flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, saffron, or cloves. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026

Xavier agrees and says that today’s fruity fragrances are often balanced with florals, cedar, cardamom, woods, musks, or aromatic notes to create depth and elegance. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 5 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