'peppermint' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'pepyrmynt', where 'pepyr' meant 'pepper' and 'mynt' meant 'mint'.

'pepyrmynt' changed from the Old English word 'minte' and eventually became the modern English word 'peppermint'.

Initially, it meant 'a type of mint with a peppery flavor', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.