pumpkin spice

[puhmp-kin spahys, puhng-kin]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pumpkin spice¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

On the company’s marketed Red Cup Day, customers who order a holiday-themed beverage, such as the popular pumpkin spice latte, receive a free limited-edition reusable red cup.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Writing that is like writing “cats are furry” or “it’s pumpkin spice season.”

Read more on Salon

She enjoys curling up in fluffy pyjamas, drinking pumpkin spice lattes and the smell of cinnamon.

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal