pepperoni

noun

pep·​per·​o·​ni ˌpe-pə-ˈrō-nē How to pronounce pepperoni (audio)
Synonyms of pepperoninext
: a highly seasoned beef and pork sausage

Examples of pepperoni in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The item combines a plain donut base with garlic butter, cheeses, pepperoni, marinara and Italian seasoning. Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026 The Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie is made with a Chocolate Chunk Pizookie base, two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream, pepperoni, and a drizzle of Mike's Hot Honey. Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026 If pepperoni doesn't interest some customers, King said Columbus-style goes beyond traditional toppings with more experimental options. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026 The pizzas really stay simple with options like margherita, pepperoni, romana or vodka. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pepperoni

Word History

Etymology

Italian peperoni cayenne peppers, plural of peperone, augmentative of pepe pepper, from Latin piper — more at pepper

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pepperoni was in 1888

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pepperoni.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pepperoni. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

pepperoni

noun
pep·​per·​o·​ni ˌpep-ə-ˈrō-nē How to pronounce pepperoni (audio)
: a highly seasoned beef and pork sausage

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