water pepper

noun

: an annual European smartweed (Polygonum hydropiper) of moist soils with extremely acrid peppery juice that is naturalized in North America
also : a related American perennial (P. hydropiperoides) with mildly acrid juice

Examples of water pepper 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.
Solution: To reduce heat stress, water peppers often during summer and consider sheltering plants with shade cloth when extreme heat hits. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1538, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of water pepper was circa 1538

Dictionary Entries Near water pepper

Cite this Entry

“Water pepper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/water%20pepper. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!