peppermint

noun pep·per·mint \ ˈpe-pər-ˌmint , -mənt , in rapid speech ˈpep-mənt or -ᵊm-ənt \

Updated on: 11 Apr 2018

Definition of peppermint

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

play \ˈpe-pər-ˌmin-tē\ adjective

See peppermint defined for English-language learners

See peppermint defined for kids

Recent Examples of peppermint from the Web

More than the dairy-free coffee mochi, more than Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning, more than peppermint Joe-Joes, the argan oil is my most beloved product.

— ella cerón, Teen Vogue, "Why Trader Joe's Argan Oil Is Great for Sensitive Skin," 6 Apr. 2018
Spearmint and peppermint are useful in attracting bees and repelling black flea beetles, ants, mosquitoes, white cabbage butterflies, aphids, and cabbage maggots.

— OregonLive.com, "In vegetable gardens, good-neighbor planting makes all the difference," 29 Mar. 2018
Healthy and Clean Shamrock Shake Running in a Skirt crafted this guilt-free treat using spinach for nutrients and color and a hint of peppermint extract for taste.

— blake bakkila, Health.com, "13 Healthy Food Swaps for St. Patrick's Day on Pinterest," 15 Mar. 2018
Classic Cure An immunity greatest hits, these herbal pouches pack in echinacea, elderberries, ginger, and peppermint for a warm fuzzy feeling inside and out.

— allison young, Sunset, "10 Wellness Teas & Tonics to Give Your Immunity a Boost," 22 Jan. 2018
Each spray, delivered under the tongue or to the cheek, emits 100ml of a solution including alcohol, peppermint oil and a mixture of THC and CBD, the active ingredients in cannabis.

— The Economist, "Britain’s stringent rules on medical cannabis harm patients," 15 Mar. 2018
Th $50,000 Sam Houston Sprint Cup turned into another Wings Locked Up dash for peppermint.

— hal lundgren, Houston Chronicle, "Blueridge Traveler wins Maxxam Gold Cup, Wings Locked Up flies to Sprint Cup victory at Sam Houston," 24 Feb. 2018
Or try something herbal: peppermint or even hibiscus would be fun, too.

— paula forbes, GQ, "A Hot Toddy Is the Easiest Cocktail You Can Make Your Freezing Cold Self at Home," 19 Feb. 2018
Seasonal flavors have included peppermint, pumpkin, caramel apple pie and eggnog.

— mary colurso | mcolurso@al.com, AL.com, "14 great places to get ice cream in Alabama this winter (and why you should)," 30 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'peppermint.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of peppermint

First Known Use of peppermint

1696

PEPPERMINT Defined for English Language Learners

peppermint

noun

Definition of peppermint for English Language Learners

: a plant that produces an oil that is used especially to flavor candies
: a candy flavored with peppermint

PEPPERMINT Defined for Kids

peppermint

noun pep·per·mint \ ˈpe-pər-ˌmint \

Definition of peppermint for Students

1 : a mint plant with small usually purple flowers that yields an oil used especially to flavor candies

2 : a candy flavored with peppermint

Medical Dictionary

peppermint

noun pep·per·mint \ -ˌmint, -mənt \

medical Definition of peppermint

: 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

play \ˈpep-ər-ˌmint-ē\ adjective

Learn More about peppermint

See words that rhyme with peppermint Spanish Central: Translation of peppermint Nglish: Translation of peppermint for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of peppermint for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about peppermint

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up peppermint? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

peppermint

Definition of peppermint

pepperminty

Recent Examples of peppermint from the Web

Illustration of peppermint

First Known Use of peppermint

PEPPERMINT Defined for English Language Learners

peppermint

Definition of peppermint for English Language Learners

PEPPERMINT Defined for Kids

peppermint

Definition of peppermint for Students

Medical Dictionary

peppermint

medical Definition of peppermint

pepperminty

Learn More about peppermint

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes