camomile

English
Matricaria recutita

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Middle English camamille, first attested 1265, from Old French camomille, from Late Latin camomilla, from Latin chamaemelon, from Ancient Greek χαμαίμηλον (khamaímēlon, literally “earth-apple”), from χαμαί (khamaí, “on the ground”) + μῆλον (mêlon, “apple”). So called because of the apple-like scent of the plant.

Pronunciation
  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈkæ.məˌmaɪl/
  • Audio (RP)(file)
  • (General American) IPA(key): /ˈkæ.məˌmaɪl/, /ˈkæ.məˌmil/

Noun

camomile (countable and uncountable, plural camomiles)

  1. Composite plant with a fragrance reminiscent of apples:
    1. Matricaria recutita (formerly known as Matricaria chamomilla), German chamomile or Hungarian chamomile, with fragrant flowers used for tea, and as an herbal remedy.
      Synonyms: German camomile, Hungarian camomile
    2. Chamaemelum nobile (formerly Anthemis nobilis), English chamomile or Roman chamomile, a ground cover with fragrant foliage.
      Synonyms: Roman camomile, English camomile
  2. Any of several other similar plants. (See below)
  3. Short for camomile tea.
    • 2022 September 27, Barclay Bram, “My Therapist, the Robot”, in The New York Times‎:
      On another occasion, when trying to brainstorm things I could do to make myself feel better despite all the pandemic restrictions, Woebot suggested I “try doing something nice for someone in your life,” like make a calming tea for my housemate or check in with a loved one. I poured my mum some chamomile: Two birds, one stone.

Derived terms

Translations
camomile tea — see camomile tea
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Further reading
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