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

This one is built around cardamom, cinnamon, leather, and vanilla bean, and it’s meant to evoke the energy of Louis XIV (the Sun King, hence the sun motif on the bottle). —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 6 Nov. 2025

The pies include brown butter pumpkin, salted caramel dutch apple, classic pecan, dark chocolate brownie pie with malt marscapone, coconut cardamom sweet potato, mile-high lemon meringue chess, bourbon sour cherry, and dulce de leche banana cream pie ($35 each). —Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Nov. 2025

According to the product photo, the scent is Moroccan mint, cardamom and tea leaves. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025

Cultural offerings include the Yemeni latte (with honey, cinnamon, cardamom, clove, ginger), pistachio latte, pistachio croissants, Adeni chai (black tea with cardamom and ginger), sticky date cake, and more. —Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 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