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

However, there is not enough research to support using peppermint oil to help manage blood sugar. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2026

It’s infused with rosemary to support hair growth, peppermint oil to refresh and stimulate the scalp, and Queensland nut oil (a nod to the brand’s Australian roots) to deliver moisture and softness without a greasy finish—a big win for fine textures that can’t handle overly rich masks. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 11 Jan. 2026

These blends typically feature invigorating notes like eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, cypress, and cardamom to help sharpen focus and wake up the senses. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026

Natural deterrents like peppermint oil and ultrasonic repellents can also help to keep mice out. —Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 7 Jan. 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