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

Save room for a small dish of malai kulfi, a homemade ice cream flavored with cardamom and garnished with almond flakes. —Arika Herron, Axios, 27 Jan. 2025

Cleopatra’s Secret Cleopatra’s Secret at Reyna in New York City is a saffron gin cocktail with notes of cardamom, nutmeg, and coriander. —Aly Walansky, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025

Get The Recipe The classic banana cobbler gets a surprisingly delicious wake-up call with the addition of cardamom, lime, and coconut milk. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2024

This new drink brings flavors of sweet orange, tart cranberry and warm spices, including notes of cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg. —Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 26 Dec. 2024

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