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

Garlic does make a perfect companion plant for pest-prone plants like cabbage and other brassicas, as well as for peppers, chamomile, and spinach. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025

Soothing botanicals, such as aloe vera and chamomile, keep the skin comfortable as the mask refines pores and absorbs excess oil. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 30 Sep. 2025

Research suggests that hibiscus, chamomile, green, and black teas may be among the best tea choices for high blood pressure. —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2025

It’s packed with skin-loving, odor-fighting ingredients including Vitamin E oil, chamomile extract, elderberry fruit extract, aloe, prickly pear fruit extract, sunflower seed oil, and safflower seed oil. —Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 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. 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