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

It really is the pumpkin spice of legal principles.

From Slate • Dec. 5, 2025

In a country that is near-devotional about pumpkin spice lattes, 12-foot skeletons and football season, pumpkin stylists are in high demand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 26, 2025

It might not be as sweet a fix as pumpkin spice, but it’s one that will sustain me to the summer.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 14, 2024

Continuing her food legacy, Parton recently hopped on the pumpkin spice latte craze with her Dolly Parton Pumpkin Spice Cookie Mix, produced in collaboration with Duncan Hines.

From Salon • Oct. 8, 2024

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

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner