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

Wellness Junkie Belnu Chai Fleur, $170 For the clean-fragrance-only crew, Belnu’s newest paraben- and phthalate-free scent blends essential oils with alcohol, water and floral-spicy notes of cinnamon, cardamom and violet. —Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 25 Nov. 2025

The cozy notes of ginger, black pepper, and cardamom in chai are wonderfully paired with bittersweet chocolate in these homemade truffles. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2025

In a large Dutch oven or pot set over medium-high heat, add the crushed cardamom pods, peppercorns, coriander seeds, cloves and star anise. —CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025

An example shows the AI making a step-by-step recipe for a cardamom tea—researching the process, designing an image with text instructions, and organizing it into a flow chart structure. —PC Magazine, 21 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