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

Etymology

Origin of peppermint

First recorded in 1690–1700; pepper + mint ¹

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

You may have to hold off on your first taste of Starbucks’ peppermint mocha this year.

From Salon ● Nov. 13, 2025

The aromas the team tested on participants were vanilla, almond, lemon, lemon myrtle, eucalyptus, peppermint, vinegar and lemongrass.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 18, 2024

Nearby is the burgundy drum kit used by Radiohead to record its 1997 breakthrough album, “OK Computer,” sitting only inches from a peppermint candy-swirled set of drums from the White Stripes.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 5, 2024

Awan said people often enjoy the cooling, tingling sensation from ingredients like peppermint oil, camphor and menthol, but they can cause irritation so you should avoid them.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 5, 2024

In the name of curiosity, people knocked down fences, flattened peppermint beds, even climbed in David’s windows.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Her connection to them was obvious at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s summer farm here when she had Brickbat and My Teddy Bear — former racehorses — curtsying to her for peppermints and nuzzles.

From New York Times ● Aug. 31, 2021

I had underestimated his lyricism, but I didn’t realize my mistake until the peppermints and Shar-Peis began exiting the picture.

From Washington Post ● Oct. 23, 2019

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

They were peppermints, and Ishmael popped one in his mouth, then strapped his radio onto his back and pulled himself into a standing position.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson