cardamom

noun

car·​da·​mom ˈkär-də-məm How to pronounce cardamom (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In a small bowl, combine walnuts, pecans, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, cardamom and oats. Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Oct. 2025 Chai Tea Chai tea is a blend of black tea and spices like ginger, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, that’s commonly enjoyed with milk and a sweetener. Jillian Kubala, Health, 19 Oct. 2025 Their Spiced Liqueur is a softer expression of cardamom, clove and cinnamon, which mixes well with, well, anything. Jeff Burkhart, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025 Cozy vanilla and rich woods are laced with sparkling ginger and cardamom for a spicy-sweet twist that’s both comforting and irresistible. Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cardamom

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cardamom was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cardamom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cardamom. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

cardamom

noun
car·​da·​mom ˈkärd-ə-məm, -ˌmäm How to pronounce cardamom (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on cardamom

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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