peppermint

noun

pep·​per·​mint ˈpe-pər-ˌmint How to pronounce peppermint (audio)
-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

Illustration of peppermint

Illustration of peppermint
  • peppermint 1a

Examples of peppermint in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Peppermint Oil Peppermint oil is made from the peppermint plant. Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 29 July 2026 The glossy oil-gel formula cushions lips with squalane, passion fruit seed oil, and sodium hyaluronate for juicy hydration, while a hint of peppermint and menthol delivers a subtle cooling sensation that makes lips feel instantly refreshed. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 July 2026 This cold-hardy perennial is easy to grow and comes in numerous varieties, including spearmint, peppermint, chocolate mint, apple mint, pineapple mint, and more. Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2026 While some homeowners try using peppermint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, or other essential oils as natural repellents, these methods are generally ineffective for solving a bat problem. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for peppermint

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of peppermint was in 1696

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Peppermint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peppermint. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

peppermint

noun
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
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on peppermint

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster