pumpkin spice

American  

[puhmp-kin spahys, puhng-kin] / ˈpʌmp kɪn ˈspaɪs, ˈpʌŋ kɪn /

noun

1. Also called pumpkin pie spice.  a mixture of spices used especially in American baking, usually including cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.

   The recipe called for two teaspoons of pumpkin spice.

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adjective

1. relating to, flavored or scented with, or evocative of a mixture of spices usually including cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice, and sometimes also including pumpkin flavoring.

   Our pumpkin spice steamed milk is a fall favorite.

   Autumn's a great time for burning pumpkin spice candles.

Etymology

Origin of pumpkin spice

An Americanism first recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pumpkin spice

For most of us, autumn means falling leaves, shorter days, returning to school and the more modern tradition of pumpkin spice lattes popping up again.

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026

Starbucks is gearing up for a return of favorites such as pumpkin spice lattes in the fall and will begin testing sparkling beverages in a few markets, he said.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 29, 2026

Make a pumpkin spice blend that leans heavily on ginger instead of cinnamon, with a flicker of cardamom for warmth.

From Salon ● Dec. 20, 2025

It really is the pumpkin spice of legal principles.

From Slate ● Dec. 5, 2025

I would eat pumpkin spice scrambled eggs in the middle of October.

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner