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

Add to the dry ingredients a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon cardamom, or even a pinch of cloves or cayenne pepper. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 1 June 2026

The rum is flavored with spices like cardamom, vanilla bean, cinnamon, rose hip, anise, lemon peel, orange peel, and allspice, which are sourced from the nearby North Truro Atlantic Spice Company. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 29 May 2026

The base starts with a cake spiced with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 May 2026

Collagen peptides dissolve cleanly without changing flavor, and warming spices like cardamom, ginger and nutmeg add complexity with no sugar or creamer needed. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 20 May 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