peppermint

noun

pep·​per·​mint ˈpe-pər-ˌmint 

-mənt,

 in rapid speech  ˈpep-mənt,

 or  -ᵊm-ənt

1

a

: a pungent and aromatic mint (Mentha piperita) with dark green lanceolate leaves and whorls of small pink flowers in spikes

b

: any of several mints (such as M. arvensis) that are related to the peppermint

2

: candy flavored with peppermint

pepperminty

ˈpe-pər-ˌmin-tē 

adjective

Illustration of peppermint

• peppermint 1a

Examples of peppermint in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

More than a third of Millennials and Gen Z now drink herbal tea weekly, with ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and peppermint leading the charge. —Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

Add java chips and 1–2 pumps of peppermint syrup. 6. —Kate Friedman, Glamour, 27 Feb. 2025

Add a few drops of essential oil (peppermint works wonders) to paper towels, crumple them up, and tuck them inside your shoes. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2025

Though human research is limited, herbal teas like peppermint, ginger, fennel, chamomile, and more may help ease digestive discomfort. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 10 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for peppermint

• fingerprint
• overprint
• blueprint
• footprint
• imprint
• misprint
• newsprint
• nonprint
• preprint
• reprint
• clint
• dint

Kids Definition

peppermint

noun

pep·​per·​mint ˈpep-ər-ˌmint 

-mənt

1

: a mint with stalks of small usually pink flowers that is the source of an oil which is sharp in flavor and is used especially to flavor candies

2

: candy flavored with peppermint

Medical Definition

peppermint

noun

pep·​per·​mint -ˌmint, -mənt 

: a mint of the genus Mentha (M. piperita) with dark green leaves and spikes of small pink flowers from which an aromatic oil is obtained

pepperminty

ˈpep-ər-ˌmint-ē 

adjective