paprika

noun

pa·​pri·​ka pə-ˈprē-kə 

pa-

: a usually mild red seasoning consisting of the dried finely ground pods of various sweet peppers

also : a sweet pepper used for making paprika

Examples of paprika in a Sentence

tomato sauce made with garlic, paprika, and pepper

Recent Examples on the Web

Spoon the filling into the egg whites and top with parsley and paprika. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2025

In a small bowl, stir together panko, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, salt, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon paprika; sprinkle evenly over tortellini. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2025

The balance of smoky paprika and brown sugar is spot-on. —Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 12 Dec. 2024

Add collard greens, stock, and 2 teaspoons paprika; bring to a simmer over medium, stirring and scraping bottom of skillet. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Hungarian, from Serbian & Croatian, from papar ground pepper, ultimately from Latin piper — more at pepper

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for paprika

• arnica
• carica
• rebekah
• turcica
• chica

Kids Definition

paprika

noun

pa·​pri·​ka pə-ˈprē-kə 

pa-

: a mild red spice consisting of the dried finely ground fruit of various cultivated sweet peppers