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pumpkin spice

American

[puhmp-kin spahys, puhng-kin] / ˈpʌmp kɪn ˈspaɪs, ˈpʌŋ kɪn /

noun

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

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

It’s already pre-seasoned with pumpkin spice, taking the guesswork out of seasoning.

From Salon • Nov. 19, 2024

The scent of pumpkin spice lattes is in the air and leaves are falling, even here in Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2024

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

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023