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

And then — because I can’t help myself — a whisper of cardamom.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

Then warmth: a drop of vanilla, a whisper of cinnamon, a dusting of cardamom or ginger.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

There’s green or “true” cardamom, which comes from the Elettaria cardamomum plant.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2026

I recently came across a six-year-old post on Reddit, inquiring about cardamom, which the original poster had only heard of after watching “The Great British Bake Off.”

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2026

He rolled the bottom of the teapot around on the cardamom pods to pop them open, then scooped them up and dropped them in with the tea leaves.

From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram