What does minty mean?
Minty is an adjective meaning chiefly that something has the fresh, cool and slightly sweet flavour or aroma associated with mint. It is especially used for breath, sweets, drinks, toothpastes and other products whose mint character is immediately noticeable. The word can also describe a cool, clean or refreshing sensation, as in a minty breeze, although in such contexts the association with mint is usually implied rather than literal. Minty is informal and particularly common in British English, but it is readily understood in American English as well. The word is useful because it conveys both a distinctive taste or smell and the broader sensations of freshness, cleanliness and vigour associated with it.
adjectiveHaving the distinctive fresh, cool, slightly sweet taste or smell of mint. In some contexts, it can also evoke a sensation of freshness or cleanliness.
- Having the distinctive taste or smell of mint.
- Cool, fresh or refreshing, especially in a way suggestive of mint.
"A glass of iced water can be especially refreshing with a few minty leaves."
"Her breath was minty after she brushed her teeth."
"A cold, minty breeze came through the open window."
Minty compresses a vivid sensory experience into two syllables: the cool scent, sharp flavour and immediate rush of freshness associated with mint.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of minty
Minty was formed by adding the adjective-forming suffix -y to mint, producing a word that characteristically describes flavour, smell or a mint-like sensation. Mint itself comes through Old English minte from Latin mentha, the source of cognates including the botanical name Mentha and the chemical menthol.
Related word forms
How minty is actually used
The adjective is especially common in British English, though it is also understood in American English. It is informal and sensory rather than technical, and is often used for breath, smells, flavours, drinks, sweets and fresh air.
Easily confused with minty
Mint is the herb itself or its characteristic flavour, whereas minty is an adjective describing something that tastes or smells of mint.