chamomile

noun

cham·​o·​mile ˈka-mə-ˌmī(-ə)l How to pronounce chamomile (audio) -ˌmēl How to pronounce chamomile (audio)
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

Illustration of chamomile

Examples of chamomile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While lavender is famous for its calming scent, chamomile can relax the mind and body and vetiver can tame tension and stress. Jenny Berg, Allure, 20 Feb. 2025 Olivia’s voice was as soothing as chamomile tea (in Coco’s estimation), whereas Nell served up a vocal that was less airy but no less appealing. Charlie Mason, TVLine, 10 Mar. 2025 Reaching seven hours of blissful, undisturbed sleep could very well involve placing limits on caffeine intake, drinking chamomile tea and averting our eyes from blue light before bedtime. Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025 Meanwhile, anti-inflammatory chamomile extract and aloe vera soothe irritated skin and replenish moisture. Lauren Dana Ellman, Allure, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chamomile

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of chamomile was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chamomile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chamomile. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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
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

More from Merriam-Webster on chamomile

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!