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

The document states Williams was working as a manager at Uncle Lou’s when undercover agents bought a shot of vodka and another of peppermint schnapps. —Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2026

The party is the visual and narrative equivalent of one of those whimsical cups of hot chocolate, complete with peppermint straw. —Erin Qualey, Vulture, 11 May 2026

To gently keep birds out of your planters, check them often and use subtle deterrents like peppermint cotton balls or shiny hanging strips. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 May 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for peppermint

• fingerprint
• mezzotint
• overprint
• blueprint
• footprint
• imprint
• misprint
• newsprint
• nonprint
• preprint
• reprint
• clint

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