black pepper

noun

: a spice that consists of the dried fruit of an Indian vine (Piper nigrum) ground with the black husk still on

also : the vine that yields black pepper see peppercorn compare white pepper

Examples of black pepper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Salt makes all the flavors stand out and meld together, while the black pepper provides a kick of cowboy-style heat. —Liv Dansky, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2024

In a small bowl, combine panko crumbs, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. —Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 16 Nov. 2024

If roasting a 14- to 18-pound bird, increase all of the ingredients for the herb paste (except the black pepper) by 50%; follow the instructions for applying the paste under the skin, in the breast pockets, and in the cavity; use the remaining paste on the skin. —Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 11 Nov. 2024

Season meat lightly with garlic powder and black pepper. —Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 8 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

black pepper

noun

: a spice that is made by grinding the fruit of the East Indian pepper with the black husk still on

Medical Definition

black pepper

noun

: a condiment that consists of the fruit of an Indian plant of the genus Piper (P. nigrum) ground with the black husk still on