menthol

noun

men·​thol ˈmen-ˌthȯl 

-ˌthōl

1

: a crystalline alcohol C₁₀H₂₀O that occurs especially in mint oils and has the odor and cooling properties of peppermint

2

menthols plural : mentholated cigarettes

Examples of menthol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, toothpaste can contain some ingredients that can dry out the skin, such as menthol and baking soda. —Laura Schober, Health, 22 May 2025

To add a bit of dynamism and cut through these big flavors, the team added the piney, menthol notes of Palo Santo via an ultra-concentrated tea made with the aromatic wood itself. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 May 2025

There are several topical analgesic (pain-relieving) creams that contain turmeric and other ingredients like menthol, camphor, and methyl salicylate. —Rebeca Schiller, Verywell Health, 16 May 2025

The whiskey is sweet and herbal, featuring honey, vanilla, caramel, seasoned oak, menthol, and mint. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

German, ultimately from Latin mentha mint

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

menthol

noun

men·​thol ˈmen-ˌthȯl 

-ˌthōl

: a white soothing substance from oils of mint

Medical Definition

menthol

noun

men·​thol ˈmen-ˌthȯl  -ˌthōl 

: a crystalline alcohol C₁₀H₂₀O that occurs especially in mint oils, has the odor and cooling properties of peppermint, and is used in flavoring and in medicine (as locally to relieve pain, itching, and nasal congestion)