wintergreen

noun

win·​ter·​green ˈwin-tər-ˌgrēn 

1

: any of a genus (Pyrola of the family Ericaceae, the heath family) of evergreen perennial herbs (such as the shinleafs) that have basal leaves and racemose flowers

2

a

: any of a genus (Gaultheria) of evergreen plants of the heath family

especially : a low creeping evergreen shrub (G. procumbens) of North America with white flowers and spicy red berries compare checkerberry

b(1)

: an essential oil from this plant

(2)

: the flavor of this oil

wintergreen lozenges

Examples of wintergreen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The handmade cube contains all-natural menthol, wintergreen, and camphor. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2024

Cinnamon, clove, lemongrass, cassia, black pepper, and wintergreen all have the potential to irritate skin as well. —Condé Nast, Allure, 5 Apr. 2018

These pouches come in popular flavors like wintergreen and cinnamon and are generally attractive to younger people who don’t understand the risks of nicotine. —Maggie O'Neill, Health, 28 Nov. 2023

This spot-on flea treatment for dogs is made with all-natural ingredients, such as geraniol and wintergreen oil, which work together to repel fleas, ticks, and even mosquitoes. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 23 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing wintergreen

• oil of wintergreen

Kids Definition

wintergreen

noun

win·​ter·​green ˈwint-ər-ˌgrēn 

1

a

: a low evergreen plant of the heath family with white bell-shaped flowers and spicy red berries

called also checkerberry

b

: an oil from the wintergreen or its flavor

2

: any of several plants related to the wintergreen

Medical Definition

wintergreen

noun

win·​ter·​green ˈwint-ər-ˌgrēn 

1

: any plant of the genus Gaultheria

especially : a low evergreen plant (G. procumbens) with white flowers and spicy red berries

2

: oil of wintergreen