chamomile

American  

[kam-uh-mahyl, -meel] / ˈkæm əˌmaɪl, -ˌmil /

Or camomile

noun

1. a composite plant, Chamaemelium nobile (orAnthemis nobilis ), native to the Old World, having strongly scented foliage and white ray flowers with yellow centers used medicinally and as a tea.

2. any of several allied plants of the genera Matricaria and Tripleurospermum.

---

chamomile British  

/ ˈkæməˌmaɪl /

noun

1. a variant spelling of camomile

---

Etymology

Origin of chamomile

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English camamyll, camomille, from Middle French, Old French camomille or Medieval Latin camomilla, for Latin chamaemēlon, from Greek chamaímēlon, equivalent to chamaí “on the ground” + mêlon “apple”; allegedly so called from the applelike odor of the flowers

Example Sentences

Lately I’ve been cold-brewing a few favorites: Numi Organic’s Yuzu Bancha, Pukka Three Mint and a good chamomile.

From Salon • Mar. 9, 2026

The long-term sleep benefits of magnesium and melatonin have been scientifically proven, yet for ingredients like chamomile, any documented positive sleep impacts appear to be short-term, with placebo effects commonly occurring.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

But do we ever outgrow the desire to be lulled, whether by soothing voice or chamomile tea or sleep gummy?

From New York Times • Apr. 20, 2024

The ash and chamomile tones, paired with the evocative use of fabrics, served as metaphors for strength, defiance, and progression.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 26, 2023

The red kettle starts to boil, and she pours me a cup of chamomile, pours herself a cup of English Breakfast.

From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon