Is 'mint' as an adjective ('That's mint!') formal English?

No, it is informal/slang, primarily used in spoken language to mean 'excellent' or 'cool'.

What's the difference between 'mint', 'peppermint', and 'spearmint'?

'Mint' is the general term for plants of the genus Mentha. 'Peppermint' is a specific, strong, hybrid variety often used in sweets and tea. 'Spearmint' is a milder variety common in cooking, chewing gum, and sauces.

Can 'to mint' only refer to coins?

Literally, yes, it means to produce coins. Figuratively, it is extended to inventing or coining words, phrases, or sometimes, informally, large amounts of money ('to mint money').

Is there a difference between 'the Mint' and 'a mint'?

'The Mint' (capitalised) typically refers to a specific national institution (e.g., the Royal Mint, the U.S. Mint). 'A mint' refers to any facility where coins are made, historically or currently.

How do you pronounce “mint”?

Mint: in British English it is pronounced /mɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

mint: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/mɪnt/US/mɪnt/

Neutral (botanical meaning), Formal (finance/coinage), Informal (adjective 'in mint condition').

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “mint” mean?

A small aromatic plant (genus Mentha), leaves of which are used for flavouring, or the sweets/candies flavoured with them.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A small aromatic plant (genus Mentha), leaves of which are used for flavouring, or the sweets/candies flavoured with them.

1. (noun) A place where coins are officially made. 2. (adjective, informal) In perfect, as-new condition. 3. (verb) To produce coins. 4. (verb, informal) To invent or fabricate something, especially a word or phrase.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

As a sweet, BrE 'after-dinner mint' or 'mint sweet' vs AmE 'mint' or 'mint candy'. The adjective 'mint' (meaning excellent) is equally common in informal use. 'Mint sauce' (for lamb) is strongly UK.

Connotations

UK: Strong association with mint sauce (lamb), mint humbugs/imperials, and the Royal Mint. US: Strong association with mint candies (peppermint patties, candy canes), and the US Mint.

Frequency

Noun (plant) and informal adjective are high frequency in both. Noun (coin place) and verb (to coin) are medium/low frequency and context-specific.

Grammar

How to Use “mint” in a Sentence

mint [noun] (to coin)be in mint [noun] (condition)grow/crush/add mint

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

mint plantmint leafmint conditionmint saucemint teathe Royal Mint

medium

peppermintspearmintmint flavourmint julepmint chocolatemint imperials

weak

mint smellmint aromamint gardenmint coinfresh mint

Examples

Examples of “mint” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The government will mint a new two-pound coin for the anniversary.
He's always minting ridiculous new phrases.

American English

The U.S. Mint minted millions of the new quarters.
The tech mogul minted a fortune with his latest app.

adverb

British English

This car runs mint after the service.

American English

My computer is working mint now.

adjective

British English

He bought a mint 1960s Mini Cooper.
That goal was absolutely mint!

American English

She found a mint vintage dress at the thrift store.
Your new phone case is mint, dude.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

The company's profits were in mint condition this quarter. (informal). The start-up minted a new category of product.

Academic

The botanist studied the menthol content in various Mentha species.

Everyday

I'm going to add some fresh mint to the salad. This vintage record player is in mint condition.

Technical

The die used to mint the new commemorative coin was carefully engineered.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “mint”

Strong

perfectpristineflawlessuncirculated (coins)brand new

Neutral

herb peppermint spearmint plant

Weak

freshcoolingaromatic

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “mint”

damagedwornusedimperfect

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “mint”

Using 'mint' as a verb for creating things other than coins/words (e.g., *'He minted a new engine design' is odd). Confusing 'mint' with 'menthol' (a compound found in mint).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is informal/slang, primarily used in spoken language to mean 'excellent' or 'cool'.
: 'Mint' is the general term for plants of the genus Mentha. 'Peppermint' is a specific, strong, hybrid variety often used in sweets and tea. 'Spearmint' is a milder variety common in cooking, chewing gum, and sauces.
: Literally, yes, it means to produce coins. Figuratively, it is extended to inventing or coining words, phrases, or sometimes, informally, large amounts of money ('to mint money').
: 'The Mint' (capitalised) typically refers to a specific national institution (e.g., the Royal Mint, the U.S. Mint). 'A mint' refers to any facility where coins are made, historically or currently.
: A small aromatic plant (genus Mentha), leaves of which are used for flavouring, or the sweets/candies flavoured with them.
: Mint: in British English it is pronounced /mɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“in mint condition”
“make a mint (a lot of money)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a MINT plant growing beside a MINT where they make shiny new coins – both are sources of something fresh and valuable.

Conceptual Metaphor

ORIGIN IS A MINT / PERFECTION IS MINT CONDITION. (e.g., 'He minted a new phrase.' / 'The car was mint.')

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After decades in the attic, the toy soldiers were still in condition, their paint unchipped.

Multiple Choice

In which context is 'mint' used as a verb?