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
ˈpe-pər-ˌmin-tē How to pronounce peppermint (audio)
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.
This calming blend of pure essential oils, including sweet orange, lavender, patchouli, peppermint, sweet basil, and chamomile, can be used in a diffuser or on a tissue to create a relaxing, calming effect. — Health Editorial Team, Health, 14 Mar. 2025 Jennifer Garner's 2-Ingredient Pancake Topping Is Delicious on So Many Things Herbal Teas The last set of products includes an herbal tea selection with hibiscus, peppermint, and lemon ginger flavors. — Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2025 Their flowers in pale pink or white are an afterthought to the plethora of scents – peppermint, lemon, chocolate, nutmeg, apple, ginger, apricot, attar of roses, and cinnamon, among others – that their leaves transmit upon being rubbed or crushed. — Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 6 Mar. 2025 Certain types of tea, such as those containing honey, peppermint, ginger, licorice root, and other ingredients, are more beneficial for helping the symptoms of a persistent cough. — Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 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

Rhymes for peppermint

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Browse Nearby Words

peppermint
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Cite this Entry

“Peppermint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peppermint. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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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
ˈpep-ər-ˌmint-ē How to pronounce peppermint (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on peppermint

Nglish: Translation of peppermint for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about peppermint

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