noun

spearmint

SPEER-mint

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Spearmint (noun) means Spearmint is an aromatic plant in the mint family, used to flavour tea, sweets and food, and traditionally to settle a mild upset stomach. Example: “She added a few leaves of spearmint to the pot of tea.”

noun

Spearmint is an aromatic plant in the mint family, used to flavour tea, sweets and food, and traditionally to settle a mild upset stomach.

"She added a few leaves of spearmint to the pot of tea."

"The gum is flavoured with spearmint rather than peppermint."

"Spearmint grows quickly and can take over a garden bed."

How to use spearmint

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSpearmint is the minty herb often used to flavour tea, sweets and chewing gum.

When to use it

It is an everyday, neutral word used in cooking, gardening and herbal remedies.

Memory tip

Spearmint and garden mint refer to the same herb, so either can be used when reading a recipe.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

spearmint tea spearmint gum fresh spearmint spearmint leaves

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “spearmint” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She added a few leaves of _____ to the pot of tea.

Etymology

Spearmint combines spear, referring to a plant's sprout or spire, with mint. The name describes the plant's spiky, pointed flower spikes.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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garden mint

Rhymes for spearmint

varmint

See all rhymes for spearmint →

Frequently asked questions

What is spearmint used for?

It is commonly used to flavour herbal tea, sweets and food, and has traditionally been used to soothe a mild stomach ache.

Is spearmint the same as mint?

Spearmint is one particular herb of the mint family, so it is a type of mint rather than an entirely separate plant.

Why is it called spearmint?

It is named for its spiry, spike-shaped blooms, which gave rise to the spear part of its name.

What is the meaning of spearmint?

"spearmint" (noun) means spearmint is an aromatic plant in the mint family, used to flavour tea, sweets and food, and traditionally to settle a mild upset stomach.