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

Combine 2 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of liquid soap, 10 drops of peppermint oil, and 10 drops of garlic extract in a spray bottle and shake well. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 June 2026

Strong essential oils like peppermint or cinnamon can overload a space, and cheap perfume-y air sprays tend to announce themselves the moment a guest walks in. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026

Mixing too many competing scents in the same area also muddles the experience, and strong essential oils like peppermint or cinnamon can quickly overload a space. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026

Certain teas, including ginger and peppermint tea, can also help with digestion and ease unpleasant symptoms such as gas and bloating. —Rena Goldman, Health, 7 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for peppermint

• fingerprint
• mezzotint
• overprint
• blueprint
• footprint
• imprint
• misprint
• newsprint
• nonprint
• preprint
• reprint
• clint

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