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

Aromas of butterscotch, lemonade, menthol and minerality. —Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death in the city and has contributed to significant health disparities, as the tobacco industry has long targeted Black communities with menthol products. —Sam Allard, Axios, 19 Feb. 2025

Try hydrating manuka honey, itch-relieving menthol, and oil-controlling citrus. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Mar. 2025

Made from menthol, eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender, these steamers are designed to sooth your nasal passages as well as the rest of your body. —Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 25 Mar. 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)