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

Customers can expect seasonal items such as pumpkin spice cold brew and Dutch apple cheesecake waffles, as well as avocado toast, burgers and chicken sandwiches, mac and cheese, and more. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2026

The company said its North American rollout of its fall menu, which includes the iconic pumpkin spice latte, was the company's strongest ever autumn launch day. — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2026

Taylor Swift is often at her best in autumn shades, and her signature combination of boots, mini skirt and a turtleneck has always struck me as the wardrobe of someone with a soft spot for pumpkin spice season. — Olivia Allen, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026

Topped with cream cheese frosting, toffee, and almond candy bits, this scrumptious pumpkin spice cake will be a winner at your next fall party. — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 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