cayenne pepper

noun

: a pungent condiment consisting of the ground dried fruits or seeds of hot peppers

: hot pepper

especially : any of several cultivated peppers of a variety (Capsicum annuum var. longum) with very long twisted pungent red fruits

: the fruit of a cayenne pepper

Examples of cayenne pepper in a Sentence

a dash of cayenne pepper

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

The hot oil beautifully toasts the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper without burning them, helping wake up their flavor. —

Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2024 Whisk together honey, cayenne pepper, lime zest, 3 tablespoons of the lime juice and 1 teaspoon of the salt in a medium bowl until combined. —

Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 14 May 2024 Police also discovered that Hildebrandt allegedly used cayenne pepper and honey to dress the children’s wounds and bound the children with ropes, chains and handcuffs. —

Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024 Add heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. —

Tiffany Vickers Davis, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cayenne pepper

Word History

Etymology

by folk etymology from earlier cayan, ultimately modification of Tupi kɨʔɨ̃já, kɨʔɨ̃nʸá

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of cayenne pepper was in 1756

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Cayenne pepper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cayenne%20pepper. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

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