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

Made from white Grecanico grapes macerated with their skins, its orange-peel and chamomile flavors are rimmed with delicate tannins. —Anna Lee C. Iijima, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Nov. 2025

Resistant to creasing, the talc-free formulation smooths and soothes the skin around the eyes with peptides and chamomile, calendula, and magnolia-bark extracts. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2025

The lightweight formula contains rice starch to absorb oil and give your roots lift and texture, while the zen matcha fragrance—complemented by notes of green tea, chamomile, sandalwood, and warm spices—is refreshing and makes your hair smell amazing. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025

This product, which includes soothing chamomile extract and azulene for anti-inflammatory properties, delivers on that promise. —Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025

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

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