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

The color is rich and dark, as is the flavor with notes of ripe and dried fruit, dark chocolate, roasted espresso beans, raisin, fig, cherry cola, peaches, menthol, and blood orange. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2026

So far, the agency has authorized only vapes in tobacco and menthol flavors in an effort to avoid the sweet options that fueled the youth vaping crisis in the late 2010s. —Sarah Todd, STAT, 13 Mar. 2026

Cooling menthol and peppermint provide instant relief, while ginger, chamomile, rosemary, and eucalyptus oils soothe and refresh. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Feb. 2026

Peppermint’s compounds, menthol and menthone, have antispasmodic effects on the gastrointestinal tract. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 9 Feb. 2026

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)