menthol

American  

[men-thawl, -thol] / ˈmɛn θɔl, -θɒl /

noun

1. Also called hexahydrothymol, peppermint camphor.  Chemistry, Pharmacology. a colorless, crystalline, slightly water-soluble alcohol, C 1 0 H 2 0 O, obtained from peppermint oil or synthesized: used chiefly in perfumes, confections, cigarettes, and liqueurs and in medicine for colds and nasal disorders for its cooling effect on mucous membranes.

2. a mentholated cigarette.

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adjective

1. containing menthol; mentholated.

menthol British  

/ ˈmɛnθɒl /

noun

1. an optically active organic compound found in peppermint oil and used as an antiseptic, in inhalants, and as an analgesic. Formula: C 10 H 20 O

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menthol Scientific  

/ mĕn′thôl′ /

1. A white, crystalline compound obtained from peppermint oil. It is used as a flavoring and as a mild anesthetic. Chemical formula: C ₁₀ H ₂₀ O.

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Etymology

Origin of menthol

1875–80; < New Latin Menth ( a ) ( mint ¹ ) + -ol ¹

Example Sentences

A mini natural mouth wash, gum, a charging cord, deodorant, there’s probably a spare pair of socks, and then those sniffy menthol things for your nose.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

And he didn't like it, says Aljin, when chopped onions were placed next to him, and menthol put under his eyes, to make him cry.

From BBC • Dec. 15, 2025

It has this earthy, almost menthol flavor to it.

From Salon • Dec. 21, 2024

Lawmakers passed the 2022 legislation days after Ohio’s capital city, Columbus, cleared its bans on the sale of flavored tobacco and menthol tobacco products, which would have been enacted early this year.

From Seattle Times • May 20, 2024

When Cole breathed again, he noticed that his breaths had cooled as if he were sucking on a menthol cough drop.

From "Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Mikaelsen