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.
The oils in cardamom have antioxidant properties, which can reduce cell damage and lower inflammation. — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 26 Oct. 2026 It was developed with perfumer Mark Buxton and includes olfactive notes of geranium, cardamom, orange flower, incense oil, Bulgarian rose, cade, cedarwood, resins, sandalwood, amber, musk and incense. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026 Available both in the restaurant and the cafe at All Mart’s entrance, this icy dessert has a floral cardamom flavor and a slight crunch from its dusting of pistachios. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Chai Can Be a Healthy Choice, Too Traditional chai is made with black tea and spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. — Lindsey Desoto, HEALTH, 23 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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

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