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

Quince's Pumpkin Cardamom Candle is also back, with its notes of pumpkin, orange zest, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger and vanilla. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

The other is a golden circle of pull-apart cardamom buns, soaked in a concoction riffing on Swedish punsch steeped in rum, apricots and spices. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

This masala chai is unapologetically gingery, warmly spiced with cinnamon and cardamom, and just sweet enough from maple syrup. — Carla Lalli Music, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026

Neoli, jasmine, and bergamot keep things bright, while black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon add just enough spice. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026

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