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

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

Dinner is rounded out with a pear and almond tart or a dark chocolate peppermint tart. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Dec. 2025

Certain scents, like rosemary, peppermint, or eucalyptus, have been shown to improve alertness and concentration, while others, like citrus, vanilla, or lavender, are known to reduce stress and elevate mood. —Raquel Reichard, Refinery29, 16 Dec. 2025

This peppermint design is called Bismarck. —Tamara Shopsin, Travel + Leisure, 16 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