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

Tea tree oil, peppermint oil, menthol, and witch hazel are four natural ingredients to watch out for. — Kara McGrath, Allure, 22 Oct. 2026

The recall also impacted peppermint and sweet mint flavors of Evo Advanced Whitening Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste. — Alexiah Syrai Olsen, Idaho Statesman, 21 Oct. 2026

Each hot chocolate mix is packaged in its own decorative box with flavors like peppermint swirl, gingerbread, s’mores, chocolate cherry, and more to finish every day with a cheerful sweet treat. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2026

Each red tin is packed with layers of white and dark chocolate perfumed with peppermint oil and topped with crushed peppermint candies. — Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 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