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

Chamomile provides a delicate contrast to cardamom and pink pepper top notes, while a heart of magnolia and geranium leaves gives off a fresh, spa-like impression. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 14 July 2026

The ingredients are listed as organic coconut water, organic jasmine tea, organic raw honey, organic holy basil, organic anise hyssop, organic green cardamom, organic white grape juice and organic coconut milk. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026

Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and 1/2 cup brown sugar in a large bowl. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 10 July 2026

Even more than Stinnerbom’s cardamom bun — which some praise as the best in Oslo — the more elemental cinnamon notes, enhanced with lemon zest and juice, allow the sourdough’s multifaceted dimensions to come through. — Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 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