camomile

1 of 2

noun (1)

cam·​o·​mile

variant spelling of chamomile

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
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 camomile 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.
Noun
But teatime can just as easily be a calming sip of camomile before bed. Richard Morgan, Star Tribune, 9 Mar. 2021 Essential oils like lavender, sandalwood, bergamot, and camomile have all been touted for their calming properties. Emily Stone, Verywell Health, 5 June 2023
Noun
Baking bread with a zesty hint of lemon peel intermixed with complex notes of chamomile and candied violets. Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 Certain herbs, such as chamomile, hibiscus, and lemon balm, may have mild blood sugar-lowering effects. Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for camomile

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

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

First Known Use

Noun (2)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Camomile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/camomile. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

camomile

variant of chamomile

Medical Definition

camomile

variant of chamomile

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