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

Dark and milk chocolate chunks dotting the bun balance the intense cardamom beautifully. —Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 4 Aug. 2025

The Food Arabic coffee flavored with cardamom is poured from a traditional dallah coffee pot and served with dates as a welcome treat to begin the flight. —Nina Ruggiero, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025

The bar program carries equal weight at Electric Gravy, also taking its cues from India with cocktails like the Mumbai 75, perfumed with rosewater and cardamom, and a frozen Lassi Painkiller. —Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Herbs like lemongrass and rosemary, or a spice box of ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon may prevail. —Camille Berry, Vogue, 15 July 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