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

Essential Oils Citrus, peppermint, and eucalyptus essential oils may repel carpenter bees. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 5 May 2026

Natural scents like cinnamon, peppermint, and white vinegar are safe and non-toxic, and are off-putting to birds, says Price. —Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 1 May 2026

Eucalyptus is the classic spa scent, and peppermint is an invigorating option for a morning boost. —Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2026

Use scented geraniums to make your balcony smell like lemon, peppermint, or spice. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026

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