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

The Indian recipe is made with warming spices like cumin, ginger, coriander, cinnamon, and cardamom. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2025

When these powdery floral notes merge with the cardamom, creating a warm, skin-like scent. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 Jan. 2025

Providencia's version is made with a cashew base and served hot, blended with flavors like cardamom, cinnamon and vanilla. —Scott Detrow, NPR, 22 Dec. 2024

Formulated to envelop you with spicy, floral notes of cardamom and mimosa, it is set in a clean-burning base of paraffin and vegetable waxes. —Laia Farran Graves, Forbes, 19 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