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

In a small bowl, combine walnuts, pecans, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, cardamom and oats. —Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Oct. 2025

Chai Tea Chai tea is a blend of black tea and spices like ginger, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, that’s commonly enjoyed with milk and a sweetener. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 19 Oct. 2025

Their Spiced Liqueur is a softer expression of cardamom, clove and cinnamon, which mixes well with, well, anything. —Jeff Burkhart, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025

Cozy vanilla and rich woods are laced with sparkling ginger and cardamom for a spicy-sweet twist that’s both comforting and irresistible. —Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025

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