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

Many essential oils, including eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil, are toxic to many animals. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Apr. 2025

Then to my nose, the peppermint and anise emerge, creating an aromatic quality that somehow avoids smelling like a candy cane (my initial fear). —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 21 Mar. 2025

The cleaning process includes waterless ozone washing, which acts as a powerful disinfectant, followed by rinsing and washing with peppermint oil, known for its antibacterial properties. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 24 Feb. 2025

The deals closed by Fifth Season include ones with Talpa TV (for the Netherlands), peppermint anime Gmbh (for Germany and German-speaking Europe), TVN (Poland), RTL (Hungary), TV Azteca (Mexico), SVT (Sweden) and RTV Slovenija (Slovenia). —Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2025

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