pumpkin spice

noun

variants or less commonly pumpkin pie spice

: a mixture of usually cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and often allspice that is commonly used in pumpkin pie

Pumpkin spice is everywhere, and at this point you simply give in to the pounds you'll potentially gain from all the glorious spreads during the holidays.

—Chris Scott

By mixing in a few simple ingredients with pumpkin—think vanilla yogurt, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice and a sprinkling of graham cracker—you create a velvety pumpkin pie experience in a matter of seconds.

—Erika Chayes Wida

—often used before another noun

It's that time of year again—holiday decorations festoon the lampposts and store windows, the smell of pumpkin spice lattes pervades the air, and the chill of winter has settled in …

—Lee Hutchinson

With sweet potato pie, the same pumpkin pie spice blend … is used along with the pre-baked crust.

—WSOCTV.com

Examples of pumpkin spice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The pouches do not require spitting and are sold in multiple flavors, such as coffee, mint, fruit and seasonal options like pumpkin spice. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

On the upside, my compost bin now smells like pumpkin spice rot. — Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026

Five-Spice Pumpkin Bread This Five-Spice Pumpkin Bread takes a bold twist on the traditional recipe with roasted Autumn Frost squash and a zesty five-spice powder instead of classic pumpkin spice. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2026

Much like the equally delicious pumpkin spice or pecan crunch latte nails, this cozy take on the trend brings together rich autumnal hues, creamy neutrals, and playful details that capture the essence of fall’s favorite indulgences. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pumpkin spice

• imprecise
• sacrifice
• advice
• allspice
• concise
• device
• entice
• excise
• fordyce
• precise
• suffice
• dice