peppermint

noun

pep·​per·​mint ˈpe-pər-ˌmint How to pronounce peppermint (audio)
-mənt
in rapid speech ˈpep-mənt
or -ᵊm-ənt
1
a
: a pungent and aromatic mint (Mentha piperita) with dark green lanceolate leaves and whorls of small pink flowers in spikes
b
: any of several mints (such as M. arvensis) that are related to the peppermint
2
: candy flavored with peppermint
pepperminty
ˈpe-pər-ˌmin-tē How to pronounce peppermint (audio)
adjective

Illustration of peppermint

Illustration of peppermint
  • peppermint 1a

Examples of peppermint in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bats do not like strong scents (like peppermint), bright lights and loud noises. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 24 June 2026 Herbs like garlic, thyme, and peppermint help keep slugs away when grown nearby or used in sprays. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 3 July 2026 Mint Tea Mint tea is made by brewing spearmint or peppermint leaves in hot water. — Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 1 July 2026 Check weekly for pests like mealybugs and aphids, using peppermint soap or beneficial insects for control. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for peppermint

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of peppermint was in 1696

Rhymes for peppermint

See All Rhymes for peppermint

Browse Nearby Words

pepper mill
peppermint
peppermint camphor
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Peppermint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peppermint. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

peppermint

noun
pep·​per·​mint ˈpep-ər-ˌmint How to pronounce peppermint (audio)
-mənt
1
: a mint with stalks of small usually pink flowers that is the source of an oil which is sharp in flavor and is used especially to flavor candies
2
: candy flavored with peppermint

Medical Definition

peppermint

noun
pep·​per·​mint -ˌmint, -mənt How to pronounce peppermint (audio)
: a mint of the genus Mentha (M. piperita) with dark green leaves and spikes of small pink flowers from which an aromatic oil is obtained
pepperminty
ˈpep-ər-ˌmint-ē How to pronounce peppermint (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on peppermint

Nglish: Translation of peppermint for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about peppermint

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