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

Seapuri's Scalpy Bubble Tonic is a lightweight foam that delivers a cooling burst of relief thanks to a soothing blend of cica, panthenol, and menthol, while salicylic acid helps dissolve excess oil, flakes, and residue that can leave the scalp feeling congested. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026

This rum spent a quarter century aging in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, and is the drier of the two with notes of black pepper, tannic oak, butterscotch, orange, dark roast espresso, crème brûlée, licorice, and menthol. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 24 June 2026

Researchers believe the effect may be linked to menthol, one of peppermint's primary active compounds. — Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 24 June 2026

Those companies showed that adults who used menthol were significantly more likely to cut down or quit cigarettes compared with those vaping tobacco flavors. — Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 12 June 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)