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

The peppermint mocha flavor usually comes from sugary syrups, but sugar-free versions exist. —Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 23 Dec. 2025

Mix In Candy Pieces Enhance the ooey-gooey texture of your brownies by chopping bite-sized pieces of your favorite candy—peppermint patties, peanut butter and chocolate cups, coconut and nut chocolate bars, M&Ms, and peppermints. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2025

Haley Straw, a former taxi driver and author of the Tales of an Amish Taxi Driver series, always keeps peppermint essential oil on her during trips. —Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 19 Dec. 2025

To prevent over-drying, the formula is buffered with shea butter for moisture, while peppermint oil delivers a cooling, calming effect. —Allure, 18 Dec. 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