peppermint

noun

pep·​per·​mint ˈpe-pər-ˌmint How to pronounce peppermint (audio)
-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 adjective

Illustration of peppermint

Illustration of peppermint
  • peppermint 1a

Examples of peppermint in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If critters start snacking on neighborhood pumpkins, protect yours with a peppermint spray. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025 Got it — the classic three-way combination of coffee flavor, peppermint flavor, and matcha flavor. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025 Can't stand peppermint ice cream. Meredith Wolf Schizer, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025 The formula leans on binchotan charcoal for a deep clean, plus tea tree and peppermint oils for a refreshing tingling effect. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peppermint

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of peppermint was in 1696

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Peppermint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peppermint. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

peppermint

noun
pep·​per·​mint ˈpep-ər-ˌmint How to pronounce peppermint (audio)
-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 How to pronounce peppermint (audio)
: 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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on peppermint

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