# cardamom

/kˈɑːdæməm/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cardamom
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a strong-smelling spice that comes from the seeds of a plant. It is often used in baking or to make coffee and tea taste better.

For teachers: an aromatic spice derived from the seeds of several species of the genus Elettaria. It is widely used in both sweet and savoury culinary traditions, particularly in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines.

## Examples

- I added a pinch of cardamom to the coffee.
- The baker used ground cardamom to give the traditional pastries a warm, floral scent.
- While often associated with dessert, cardamom is a staple in savory spice blends, providing a complex, citrusy note that balances heavier ingredients like lentils and meats.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.