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

Yes, the Old Fashioned is typically a boozy, whiskey-forward, slap-you-across-the-face thing, and, yes, chamomile is typically a bedtime, steaming mug, snuggle-up-under-a-blanket thing. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2026

These soothing drops contain 12 ingredients, including ginger, aloe, peppermint, chamomile and others. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026

An oyster is poached in chamomile oil and served with wisps of creamy chestnut. —Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2026

Mono-Blooms and Petite Bouquets Hosts are embracing mono-botanical moments, arranging clusters of a single flower type, such as chamomile, garden roses, and olive branches, placed throughout the home for a chic, minimal look that pairs naturally with modern décor. —Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 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

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