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

Customize your own with a selection of your favorite toppings, including holiday cheer sprinkles, chocolate morsels, and a peppermint candy stick to bring it all together. —Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 2 Dec. 2024

For those who suffer from morning sickness during pregnancy, Peacock recommended incorporating ginger and peppermint teas into their regime. —Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024

Try peppermint desserts or party appetizers everyone will love. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Nov. 2024

Chocolate cake is given a holiday makeover with the addition of peppermint extract in the frosting as well as using peppermints for garnish. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2024

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