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

Instead of cinnamon and nutmeg, try apple pie spice, or substitute some of all of the cinnamon or nutmeg for ground cardamom. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 18 June 2026

Mix the dry ingredients together (flour, baking powder and soda, salt, and ground cardamom) in a medium size bowl and set aside. —Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2026

This cocktail is made with rum, jasmine cardamom syrup, lime, and soda water. —Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026

This one includes notes of cardamom, amber, and wood. —Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 14 June 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