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 flavor itself was pleasant, reminiscent of mint tea thanks to the inclusion of peppermint leaf. —Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 23 Jan. 2025

For a festive dessert, try peppermint brownies or gingerbread cookies made with cannabis butter. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2024

Cookies and cream is a classic, but this would also be a great way to use up chocolate or peppermint cookies, or even spiced gingerbread. —Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Dec. 2024

In particular, Protect Your Energy employs sandalwood aromatherapy; Dip Out uses chamomile, and Recovery Mode features peppermint. —Emily Burns, WWD, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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