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

Snuggle inside one of the large glass pods on the giant observation wheel for their new Festive Afternoon Tea to nosh on tea sandwiches, scones and sweets like a coconut cardamom tart and mince pie, while watching the city’s beauty slowly glide by. —Sacbee.com, 3 Dec. 2025

The cozy notes of ginger, black pepper, and cardamom in chai are wonderfully paired with bittersweet chocolate in these homemade truffles. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025

For something in between, cardamom offers a sweet-heat balance. —Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2025

Aromas of black currant, lavender, and cardamom draw you into the glass for ethereal flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and crushed violet petal wrapped in opulent tannins. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 28 Nov. 2025

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