cardamom

noun

car·​da·​mom ˈkär-də-məm How to pronounce cardamom (audio)
-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
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.
This cocktail is made with rum, jasmine cardamom syrup, lime, and soda water. — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 Arid deserts, tall grasses, sandalwood heating up with cardamom and other spices—this rugged solar floral has it all. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 28 June 2026 Mix the dry ingredients together (flour, baking powder and soda, salt, and ground cardamom) in a medium size bowl and set aside. — Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2026 Instead of cinnamon and nutmeg, try apple pie spice, or substitute some of all of the cinnamon or nutmeg for ground cardamom. — Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cardamom

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cardamom was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

cardamine
cardamom
Cardan
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

cardamom

noun
car·​da·​mom ˈkärd-ə-məm, -ˌmäm How to pronounce cardamom (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on cardamom

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cardamom

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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