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

Built around cardamom, orange blossom, black tea, and leather, Dandy or not wears warm and bright, without ever veering into predictable winter fragrance territory. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 17 Dec. 2025

Chai tea is made from black tea, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and other spices. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 15 Dec. 2025

A touch of cardamom adds another dash of spice, while bergamot infuses the fragrance with a twist of citrus. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 9 Dec. 2025

Goldman was adamant that the menu reflect his favorite deli foods, like pastrami sandwiches and desserts, of course, like black and white cookies and even a green and white cookie that will come with pistachio and cardamom. —Emily Rella, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 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