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

L’Absolu boasts notes of rich orange blossom, deep patchouli, cool sparkling ginger, bergamot and cardamom. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025

Where Copenhagen had bonnets and cardamom buns, London had track jackets and old man pubs, and a predictably unpredictable weather forecast to boot. —Joy Montgomery, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025

Phalcha just dropped a fall flight, which includes a trio of lattes made with pumpkin spice, ube cardamom chai, and maple spice. —Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Sep. 2025

The creamy sandalwood in Santal 33 amplifies that skin-scent quality in Only Human, while the cardamom and pepper add some complexity. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 21 Sep. 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