cardamom

American  

[kahr-duh-muhm] / ˈkɑr də məm /

Also cardamon

noun

1. the aromatic seed capsules of a tropical Asian plant, Elettaria cardamomum, of the ginger family, used as a spice or condiment and in medicine.

2. the plant itself.

3. a related plant, Amomum compactum, or its seeds, used as a substitute for true cardamom.

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cardamom British  

/ ˈkɑːdəməm, ˈkɑːdəmən /

noun

1. a tropical Asian zingiberaceous plant, Elettaria cardamomum, that has large hairy leaves

2. the seeds of this plant, used esp as a spice or condiment

3. a related East Indian plant, Amomum cardamomum, whose seeds are used as a substitute for cardamom seeds

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Etymology

Origin of cardamom

1350–1400; Middle English (< Middle French ) < Latin cardamōmum < Greek kardámōnon, blend of kárdamon cress and ámōmon a spice plant

Example Sentences

The breakdown here is mostly cinnamon, anchored and warm, with cardamom hovering just at the edges.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

Don’t sleep on seasoning: warming spices like cinnamon, allspice and cardamom, plus baking favorites like ginger, citrus zest, or vanilla, take a smoothie from functional to delicious.

From Salon • Jan. 29, 2026

Earlier this month, Teen Vogue reported that cardamom is anticipated to make its mark in the perfume world.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2026

Some people may have tried cardamom, especially with the rise in chai culture and prevalence of cardamom buns, but are unaware of the spice’s potential.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2026

Mariam, who’d had a queasy stomach all night, boiled some water and made herself a cup of green tea sprinkled with crushed cardamom.

From "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini