chamomile

noun

cham·​o·​mile ˈka-mə-ˌmī(-ə)l How to pronounce chamomile (audio) -ˌmēl How to pronounce chamomile (audio)
variants or
1
: a perennial composite (see composite entry 1 sense 1b) herb (Chamaemelum nobile synonym Anthemis nobilis) of Europe and North Africa with aromatic (see aromatic entry 1 sense 1) foliage and flower heads
2
: any of several composite plants (such as genera Matricaria and Anthemis) related to chamomile
especially : an annual Eurasian herb (M. chamomilla synonym M. recutita) naturalized (see naturalize sense 4) in North America
3
: the dried flower heads of chamomile that are often used in making tea and that yield an essential oil possessing medicinal properties

Illustration of chamomile

Illustration of chamomile

Examples of chamomile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Morning activity: Buying more blue chamomile tea at PARU in La Jolla. Kate Murphy, Axios, 25 Oct. 2024 According to a research review, chamomile tea may also help women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome . . . Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024 Instant Cuticle Remover is an elixir that breaks down excess dead skin in as little as 15 seconds while aloe vera and chamomile soothe your skin. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 9 Oct. 2024 Infused with apricot microspheres, the cleanser should be used no more than three times a week and followed up with a calming elixir fortified with soothing ingredients such as ceramide and chamomile. Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chamomile 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chamomile.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English camemille, from Medieval Latin camomilla, modification of Latin chamaemelon, from Greek chamaimēlon, from chamai + mēlon apple

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chamomile was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near chamomile

Cite this Entry

“Chamomile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chamomile. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

chamomile

noun
cham·​o·​mile
variants or camomile
ˈkam-ə-ˌmīl,
-ˌmēl
1
: an herb related to the daisies with strong-scented leaves and flower heads
2
: the dried flower heads of chamomile often used in making tea

Medical Definition

chamomile

noun
cham·​o·​mile
variants or camomile
1
a
: a composite herb (Chamaemelum nobile synonym Anthemis nobilis) of Europe and Africa having aromatic flower heads
b
: any of several related composite plants (genera Anthemis and Matricaria)
especially : a Eurasian herb of the genus Matricaria (M. recutita synonym M. chamomilla) naturalized in North America
2
: the dried flower heads of a chamomile that are often used in making tea and that yield an essential oil possessing medicinal properties

More from Merriam-Webster on chamomile

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