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

Their Original Gin is crafted with a blend of botanicals, including juniper, coriander, cardamom, licorice root, and orange peel, resulting in a complex and aromatic profile. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

That flavor is amplified by the lemon in the batter and cardamom plays a subtle supporting note to the citrus notes. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 11 May 2025

Formulated with energizing aromatherapeutic oils like ruby red grapefruit, cardamom, and verbena, this body mist spray awakens the senses while hydrating skin with sodium hyaluronate and glycerin. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025

For example, this scent has coriander, cardamom, and nutmeg. —ArsTechnica, 11 Apr. 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