chamomile

noun

cham·​o·​mile ˈka-mə-ˌmī(-ə)l  -ˌmēl 

variants or camomile

1

: a perennial composite (see composite entry 1 sense 1b) herb (Chamaemelum nobile synonym Anthemis nobilis) of Europe and North Africa with aromatic (see aromatic entry 1 sense 1) foliage and flower heads

2

: any of several composite plants (such as genera Matricaria and Anthemis) related to chamomile

especially : an annual Eurasian herb (M. chamomilla synonym M. recutita) naturalized (see naturalize sense 4) in North America

3

: the dried flower heads of chamomile that are often used in making tea and that yield an essential oil possessing medicinal properties

Illustration of chamomile

Examples of chamomile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This calming blend of pure essential oils, including sweet orange, lavender, patchouli, peppermint, sweet basil, and chamomile, can be used in a diffuser or on a tissue to create a relaxing, calming effect. —Health Editorial Team, Health, 14 Mar. 2025

Enter: this pore-purifying face mask that uses umbrian clay to help rid of blackheads, plus sandalwood oil and chamomile to soothe the skin. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 3 Mar. 2025

What sets this rinse apart is a combination of apple cider vinegar and a blend of nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile, which soothe the scalp while hydrating the hair. —Daisy Maldonado, Allure, 18 Feb. 2025

Switch to calming herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint. —Nel-Olivia Waga, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English camemille, from Medieval Latin camomilla, modification of Latin chamaemelon, from Greek chamaimēlon, from chamai + mēlon apple

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

chamomile

noun

cham·​o·​mile

variants or camomile

ˈkam-ə-ˌmīl,

-ˌmēl

1

: an herb related to the daisies with strong-scented leaves and flower heads

2

: the dried flower heads of chamomile often used in making tea

Medical Definition

chamomile

noun

cham·​o·​mile

variants or camomile

ˈkam-ə-ˌmīl  -ˌmēl 

1

a

: a composite herb (Chamaemelum nobile synonym Anthemis nobilis) of Europe and Africa having aromatic flower heads

b

: any of several related composite plants (genera Anthemis and Matricaria)

especially : a Eurasian herb of the genus Matricaria (M. recutita synonym M. chamomilla) naturalized in North America

2

: the dried flower heads of a chamomile that are often used in making tea and that yield an essential oil possessing medicinal properties