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

Sweet treats available to order include ginger snaps, peppermint bites, gingerbread people and chocolate crinkles. —Margaux Lushing, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Returning drinks included the peppermint mocha, caramel brulée latte and the chestnut praline latte. —Katie Wiseman, The Courier-Journal, 5 Nov. 2024

Starbucks is known for its creative seasonal menus (hello, pumpkin spice and peppermint mocha!), and the holidays are extra special because beverages are served in festive red and green cups. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2024

What's more, cosmetic chemist Ginger King previously told Allure that peppermint extract can help remove excess sebum from your scalp. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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