chamomile

noun

cham·​o·​mile ˈka-mə-ˌmī(-ə)l  -ˌmēl 

variants or camomile

1

: a perennial composite (see composite entry 1 sense 1b) herb (Chamaemelum nobile synonym Anthemis nobilis) of Europe and North Africa with aromatic (see aromatic entry 1 sense 1) foliage and flower heads

2

: any of several composite plants (such as genera Matricaria and Anthemis) related to chamomile

especially : an annual Eurasian herb (M. chamomilla synonym M. recutita) naturalized (see naturalize sense 4) in North America

3

: the dried flower heads of chamomile that are often used in making tea and that yield an essential oil possessing medicinal properties

Illustration of chamomile

Examples of chamomile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lavender, echinacea and chamomile are also commonly used to reduce stress and promote quality sleep at the end of the day. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

The second is a Grappa Sidecar, featuring aged grappa, sambuca, chamomile honey, dry curaçao, lemon and local bee pollen. — Jenn Rice, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Some gardeners use chamomile tea for its antifungal properties, but its benefits are likely minimal. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 12 Aug. 2026

Chamomile Tea Another classic in everyone’s sleepy time arsenal, chamomile tea is often recommended as a simple way to relax before bedtime, and for good reason. — Mura Dominko, Martha Stewart, 9 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English camemille, from Medieval Latin camomilla, modification of Latin chamaemelon, from Greek chamaimēlon, from chamai + mēlon apple

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for chamomile

• campanile
• domicil
• domicile
• mercantile
• neuropil
• percentile
• peristyle
• reconcile
• thermopile
• aisle
• bile
• chyle

Kids Definition

chamomile

noun

cham·​o·​mile

variants or camomile

ˈkam-ə-ˌmīl, 

-ˌmēl

1

: an herb related to the daisies with strong-scented leaves and flower heads

2

: the dried flower heads of chamomile often used in making tea

Medical Definition

chamomile

noun

cham·​o·​mile

variants or camomile

ˈkam-ə-ˌmīl  -ˌmēl 

1

a

: a composite herb (Chamaemelum nobile synonym Anthemis nobilis) of Europe and Africa having aromatic flower heads

b

: any of several related composite plants (genera Anthemis and Matricaria)

especially : a Eurasian herb of the genus Matricaria (M. chamomilla synonym M. recutita) naturalized in North America

2

: the dried flower heads of a chamomile that are often used in making tea and that yield an essential oil possessing medicinal properties