peppermint

American  

[pep-er-mint, -muhnt] / ˈpɛp ərˌmɪnt, -mənt /

noun

• peppermints
  plural

1. an herb, Mentha piperita, of the mint family, cultivated for its aromatic, pungent oil.

2. Also called peppermint oil. this oil, or a preparation made from it.

3. a lozenge or confection flavored with peppermint.

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peppermint British  

/ ˈpɛpəˌmɪnt /

noun

1. a temperate mint plant, Mentha piperita, with purple or white flowers: cultivated for its downy leaves, which yield a pungent oil

2. the oil from this plant, which is used as a flavouring

3. a sweet flavoured with peppermint

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• peppermints
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of peppermint

First recorded in 1690–1700; pepper + mint ¹

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Explanation

Peppermint is the familiar aromatic flavoring you'll find in toothpaste, gum, and those round, red and white candies that your grandmother always keeps in a little china bowl on her coffee table. Peppermint, the most common type of mint plant, has fresh, fragrant leaves, and the word peppermint is also the name of an oil extracted from those leaves. The oil and leaves of the peppermint plant are used in many products, including ice cream, tea, and shampoo. The word peppermint was coined in the 17th century, from pepper and mint, probably inspired by its "spicy," tingling flavor.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

peppermint peppermints

In February 2026, the research team published related work in the journal Small, describing a medical coating developed from peppermint oil.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 12, 2026

I bought large bags of loose peppermint and spearmint to use for tea at home.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026

"You immediately feel unsafe," Hannah tells me, eyes wide as she grips a mug of peppermint tea in her living room.

From BBC ● Feb. 8, 2025

Gusts of nausea-inducing pollution have become so frequent that Rissler now carries a peppermint spray with her at all times to ease the discomfort.

From Salon ● Dec. 9, 2024

I set the pot over the stove’s burner and check the cabinets for tea selections and decide on peppermint.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera

We can smell mulch, feel the vanes of feathers, bump into doors and taste peppermints.

From New York Times ● May 30, 2023

He texted Kelly, asking if she had peppermints to try to curb the discomfort.

From Washington Post ● Nov. 20, 2020

He buys Rice Krispies bars for the kids and keeps peppermints on hand for sore throats and upset tummies.

From Washington Times ● Dec. 3, 2016

I took handfuls of Dum Dum pops, peppermints, butterscotch and those strawberry candies with the gooey middle that grandmothers always have.

From Salon ● Jan. 5, 2013

Her hair was tied with a bright colored handkerchief, and Stuart noticed that she carried a box of peppermints in her hand.

From "Stuart Little" by E.B. White

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