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

For a fun twist, swap the cinnamon out for half as much cardamom, a spice that blends beautifully with chocolate and the vanilla notes of the custard. —Anna Theoktisto, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2025

This fragrance opens with fresh cardamom, its spicy-sweet warmth immediately drawing you in. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 Jan. 2025

Save room for a small dish of malai kulfi, a homemade ice cream flavored with cardamom and garnished with almond flakes. —Arika Herron, Axios, 27 Jan. 2025

Cleopatra’s Secret Cleopatra’s Secret at Reyna in New York City is a saffron gin cocktail with notes of cardamom, nutmeg, and coriander. —Aly Walansky, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025

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