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

Better yet, soothing ingredients like chamomile flower water and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid keep skin feeling comfortable, so your complexion looks fresh—not overly matte. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 June 2026

The serum-like formula also features bisabolol and chamomile extracts—both anti-inflammatory and soothing properties (a huge perk for my acne-prone skin). —Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 12 June 2026

Treatments utilize Bamford’s signature botanical products, infused with rosemary, geranium, and calming chamomile. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Certain herbs, such as chamomile, hibiscus, and lemon balm, may have mild blood sugar-lowering effects. —Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 27 May 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