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

Chai is made from black tea mixed with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2026

For this easy one-layer snacking cake, Marmite is the secret ingredient in the dark chocolate ganache, amplifying the natural fruitiness of dark chocolate and complementing the cardamom, coffee, and orange flavors in the cake. —Kristen Hartke, Saveur, 12 Mar. 2026

The coffee chain is also introducing a new chai recipe on March 3, featuring notes of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, sweetened with two grams of honey. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Mar. 2026

Top notes of cardamom, black pepper, and lemon brighten rich woods, warm tobacco, and spa-like patchouli. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 3 Mar. 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