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

The halal shop down the block smelled like goat meat and cardamom. —Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026

Ghaznavi, who hails from Lahore, Pakistan, makes her masala chai with black tea, cardamom, cinnamon, fennel, ginger, mint, and, crucially, evaporated milk. —Maryam Ghaznavi, Saveur, 18 Feb. 2026

West says that fragrances with deeper notes like musk, tobacco, and cardamom, create a lasting impression as the fragrance dries down throughout the day. —Allure, 17 Feb. 2026

Chai Fleur by Belnu features a warm, romantic element, thanks to notes like nutmeg and cardamom. —Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 16 Feb. 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