menthol

noun

men·​thol ˈmen-ˌthȯl 

-ˌthōl

1

: a crystalline alcohol C₁₀H₂₀O that occurs especially in mint oils and has the odor and cooling properties of peppermint

2

menthols plural : mentholated cigarettes

Examples of menthol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

More than half of kids who smoke use menthol cigarettes, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. —Jen Christensen, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025

The Trump administration has withdrawn the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed ban on menthol cigarettes. —Jackson Walker, Baltimore Sun, 24 Jan. 2025

Witch hazel, menthol, and tea tree oil deliver a calming cooling sensation (while giving your senses a little zing). —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Oct. 2024

Around 80% of Black adults who smoke used menthol cigarettes as of 2020. —Aria Bendix, NBC News, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

German, ultimately from Latin mentha mint

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

menthol

noun

men·​thol ˈmen-ˌthȯl 

-ˌthōl

: a white soothing substance from oils of mint

Medical Definition

menthol

noun

men·​thol ˈmen-ˌthȯl  -ˌthōl 

: a crystalline alcohol C₁₀H₂₀O that occurs especially in mint oils, has the odor and cooling properties of peppermint, and is used in flavoring and in medicine (as locally to relieve pain, itching, and nasal congestion)