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

Can't stand peppermint ice cream. —Meredith Wolf Schizer, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025

The formula leans on binchotan charcoal for a deep clean, plus tea tree and peppermint oils for a refreshing tingling effect. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 Aug. 2025

The lemon- and peppermint-scented scrub is infused with moisturizing ingredients, including coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, and shea butter, among others, and works especially well when followed by the brand’s Foot Balm. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 25 Aug. 2025

Many, like peppermint and cedar oil, have not gotten the EPA’s seal of approval. —Julia Ries Wexler, SELF, 21 Aug. 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