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

The protein craze has reached peppermint bark and other holiday treats.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 5, 2026

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

From Salon ● Nov. 13, 2025

A current of air slipped through the gym, fluttering the sleeve of her shirt and carrying her sweet peppermint scent my way.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx

Her light pinches and offers of peppermints to win silence during church services.

From Seattle Times ● May 28, 2022

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

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