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 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.
Sprinkle cinnamon or cayenne around your pantry, set out garlic cloves, or soak cotton balls in strong essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, or lavender and place them around your home. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026 Peppermint Tea People with inflammatory digestive diseases like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or IBD may benefit from sipping peppermint tea. Jillian Kubala, Health, 26 Dec. 2025 The peppermint mocha flavor usually comes from sugary syrups, but sugar-free versions exist. Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 23 Dec. 2025 Haley Straw, a former taxi driver and author of the Tales of an Amish Taxi Driver series, always keeps peppermint essential oil on her during trips. Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 19 Dec. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Peppermint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peppermint. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.

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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on peppermint

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!