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

Certain smells, like peppermint and vinegar, can be used to repel spiders and other insects, so consider making your own pest repellent. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 19 Aug. 2026

Soak cotton balls with an essential oil like peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus and set them around entry points. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2026

Among the product’s ingredients is peppermint oil, which, according to experts, can play an important role in hair growth. — Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026

Interestingly, peppermint oil is another key ingredient in this serum, which shoppers say provides a cooling sensation. — Parents, 14 Aug. 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