chamomile

noun

cham·​o·​mile ˈka-mə-ˌmī(-ə)l How to pronounce chamomile (audio) -ˌmēl How to pronounce chamomile (audio)
variants or camomile
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Chamomile Tea Another classic in everyone’s sleepy time arsenal, chamomile tea is often recommended as a simple way to relax before bedtime, and for good reason. — Mura Dominko, Martha Stewart, 9 Aug. 2026 If your goals involve improving sleep, soothing digestive discomfort, or supporting healthy blood pressure without caffeine, herbal tisanes like chamomile, peppermint, or hibiscus are excellent choices. — Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 3 Aug. 2026 Some bedtime drinks, including milk, chamomile tea, and water, may help support healthy blood sugar. — Brianna Tobritzhofer, HEALTH, 3 Aug. 2026 Fantastically popular examples du jour open with ingredients like lavender, chamomile--even cucumber. — Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for chamomile

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

Rhymes for chamomile

See All Rhymes for chamomile

Browse Nearby Words

chamoline
chamomile
Chamonix
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chamomile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chamomile. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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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
ˈkam-ə-ˌmīl How to pronounce chamomile (audio) -ˌmēl How to pronounce chamomile (audio)
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. chamomilla synonym M. recutita) 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

Nglish: Translation of chamomile for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chamomile

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