chamomile

or cam·o·mile

[ kam-uh-mahyl, -meel ]

noun

1. a composite plant, Chamaemelium nobile (or Anthemis 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

/ ˈkæməˌmaɪl /

noun

1. a variant spelling of camomile

Word History and Origins

Origin of chamomile¹

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

I’ll have chamomile lavender tea and they’ll usually have their dessert — they usually pick something out of the freezer.

From Los Angeles Times

“My mom drinks green tea in the morning and chamomile tea at night. She also likes the occasional sweet tea. Dad doesn’t. He’s the only Southerner who hates it. Can you believe that?”

From Literature

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

From New York Times

One therapist recommended chamomile tea.

From Seattle Times

Ancient Egyptians and Romans sipped chamomile tea for its perceived healing effects.

From Seattle Times