cardamom

noun

car·​da·​mom ˈkär-də-məm 

-ˌmäm

: the aromatic capsular fruit of an Indian herb (Elettaria cardamomum) of the ginger family with seeds used as a spice and in medicine

also : this plant

Examples of cardamom in a Sentence

a tablespoon of ground cardamom

Recent Examples on the Web

Organic Raw Honey Infused with Cardamom The honey is suspiciously thin and runny, with an intense cardamom backnote. —Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2026

The dish’s Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences are apparent in the seasoning of its hearty meat sauce—which features cinnamon, cardamom, and coriander—as well as the touch of mint accompanying its yogurt sauce topping. —Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2026

Honey is used to lightly sweeten the filling, which includes cardamom, along with orange zest and juice for flavor. —Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026

Cardamom Adding spices like cinnamon or cardamom is an easy way to boost flavor and nutrition. —Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin cardamomum, from Greek kardamōmon, blend of kardamon peppergrass and amōmon, an Indian spice plant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

cardamom

noun

car·​da·​mom ˈkärd-ə-məm, -ˌmäm 

: the aromatic capsular fruit of an Indian herb (Elettaria cardamomum) of the ginger family with seeds used as a spice and in medicine

also : this plant