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.

---

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

And she is adding designs inspired by seasons and festive occasions, including a pumpkin spice latte hair clip that debuted this past autumn.

From BBC ● Apr. 22, 2026

Much of the spice’s charm is overshadowed by an ever-popular pumpkin spice craze, which peaks like clockwork at the start of autumn.

From Salon ● Jan. 25, 2026

It really is the pumpkin spice of legal principles.

From Slate ● Dec. 5, 2025

Fragrances that smell like food have been popular for years, but they used to come in flavors like vanilla or pumpkin spice.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2025

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

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner