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

Stir together mayonnaise, onion, pickled jalapeños, salt, black pepper, red pepper, pimientos, and fresh jalapeños in a medium bowl. —Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 7 Apr. 2025

Season generously with black pepper and transfer to a large bowl. —Scott Clark, Saveur, 3 Apr. 2025

Generously season with salt and black pepper and stir. —Vicky Hallett, NPR, 1 Apr. 2025

One of the most common recipes combines turmeric, ginger, lemon, and black pepper. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Ld, Health, 26 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