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 the mouth a textured attack followed by a dark, powerful yet elegant and boisterous mid palate of figs, cardamom, cumin, black pepper, blackberries, molasses and dark plums. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025

The cardamom banana pudding's warm spices blend seamlessly with the creamy custard, balanced by whole slices of banana. —Gregory Castillo, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025

Swap out cinnamon for other spices, like cardamom, for a bit of a different flavor and flair. —Anna Theoktisto, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2025

Iris is the star ingredient of the juice, which opens with a blend of bergamot, cardamom and geranium, has a subtle hint of vanilla and carrot seed in its heart and mixes cedarwood and ambery woods in its base. —Sandra Salibian, WWD, 18 Feb. 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