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

Part of the problem is that the legal vapes come in just two flavors: menthol and tobacco. —Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025

An estimated 85 percent of Black smokers use menthol cigarettes, according to federal statistics. —Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 24 Jan. 2025

In fact, toothpaste can contain some ingredients that can dry out the skin, such as menthol and baking soda. —Laura Schober, Health, 22 May 2025

To add a bit of dynamism and cut through these big flavors, the team added the piney, menthol notes of Palo Santo via an ultra-concentrated tea made with the aromatic wood itself. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 May 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)