chamomile

noun cham·o·mile \ ˈka-mə-ˌmī(-ə)l , -ˌmēl \

variants: or camomile

|Updated on: 10 Aug 2018

Definition of chamomile

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

2 : any of several composite plants (genera Matricaria and Anthemis) related to chamomile; especially : an annual Eurasian herb (M. recutita synonym M. chamomilla) naturalized (see naturalize 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

See chamomile defined for English-language learners

See chamomile defined for kids

Recent Examples of chamomile from the Web

Weleda is made with a blend of plant extracts — like viola tricolor, calendula, and chamomile — and mixed with beeswax.

— zoë weiner, Teen Vogue, "Rihanna Uses $12 Weleda Moisturizer," 9 July 2018
Some do rely on various formulations of hydrogen peroxide to get there, while other brands offer versions with chamomile and citrus.

— rachel nussbaum, Glamour, "We Tried the 2018 Takes on Hair Lighteners, and Here Are Our Honest Thoughts," 7 June 2018
One of our editors tested a bunch of Sleepytime teas (all of which have chamomile in them) to find which brands worked the best.

— emma wartzman, Bon Appetit, "9 Foods That May Help You Get to Sleep," 29 May 2018
Their most popular is the anti-insomnia Tranquili-tea made with chamomile and lemon myrtle.

— steffi victorioso, Los Angeles Magazine, "Local Women Are Hosting Fancy “High Teas” With the Help of a Cannabis Brand," 29 May 2018
Better skin-loving bets: Lavender, chamomile, and rose.

— allison young, Good Housekeeping, "The Best Essential Oils To Add To Your Bath Routine—And How To Do It Safely," 22 Nov. 2017
In addition to the above, the other herbs featured in our kitchen cutting garden include dill, tarragon, oregano, thyme, rosemary, chamomile, lemon balm, basil, St. John’s Wort and lavender.

— philip potempa, Post-Tribune, "‘Goat’ herb garden always within convenient kitchen reach," 22 June 2018
Among them are green tea, chamomile, and centella, each of which calms down inflammation.

— rachel nussbaum, Glamour, "This K-Beauty Face Cleanser Is So Popular, One Sells Every 3.1 Seconds," 13 June 2018
Remove from heat and add chamomile; cover and let stand for 15 minutes.

— ann maloney, NOLA.com, "Former waitresses' 'lazy' strawberry pie wins 'Waitress the musical' contest," 1 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chamomile.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of chamomile

Origin and Etymology of chamomile

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

CHAMOMILE Defined for English Language Learners

chamomile

noun

Definition of chamomile for English Language Learners

: a plant that has a strong smell and small white and yellow flowers that are often used in making tea and medicine

Medical Dictionary

chamomile

noun cham·o·mile

variants: or camomile play \ˈkam-ə-ˌmīl, -ˌmēl\

medical Definition of chamomile

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. recutita synonym M. chamomilla) 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