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

The nose features complex aromas of ancho pepper, cinnamon spice, black pepper, truffle, and cream soda. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder, half a teaspoon of ground turmeric, a quarter teaspoon each of cinnamon and ginger, and a pinch of black pepper. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 24 Mar. 2025

Stir together panko, milk, egg, Worcestershire, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper until well combined. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 17 Mar. 2025

It’s made with tons of herbs and spices like mint, cilantro, black pepper, chili, ginger and lemon. —Kaitlyn Rosati, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for black pepper

• leper
• lepper
• stepper

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