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

High West bourbon lays a warm, oaky foundation for a seasonal blend of crisp apple, aromatic cloves and cardamom, all deepened by the velvety sweetness of crème de cassis. — Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026

For breakfast or lunch, head to the Goldener side to The Kitz, which is more akin to a Ladurée in design and serves up lavender-cardamom cinnamon rolls and gourmet sandwiches. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Quince's Pumpkin Cardamom Candle is also back, with its notes of pumpkin, orange zest, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger and vanilla. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

The other is a golden circle of pull-apart cardamom buns, soaked in a concoction riffing on Swedish punsch steeped in rum, apricots and spices. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 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