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

Nonalcoholic takes on the concept include the fruity Tarte Tatin Zero, a blend of caramel, rectified (or redistilled) apple juice, tonka, and vanilla foam, and the zippy Terminal Zero, crafted with agave syrup, lemon, mustard, and peppermint kombucha. —Lane Nieset, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some studies report that certain essential oils, like peppermint oil and rosemary oil, have some efficacy for tick control. —Dan Simms, USA Today, 4 June 2026

These teas often contain a combination of herbs, such as dandelion, ginger, senna, or peppermint. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 3 June 2026

There are even seasonal releases, such as pumpkin or peppermint. —Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 3 June 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