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

Drizzle enough olive oil over the ingredients to generously coat them, season with salt and black pepper, and very gently fold together with your hands or a spoon. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Add chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 10 seconds. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026

If clams aren’t for you, the noodles also come in flavors like gochujang butter, soy sauce butter, truffle bulgogi, and black pepper tteokbokki. — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026

Black Pepper Candied Bacon Fogo de Chão/MANNY RODRIGUEZ At Fogo de Chão, this delicious bacon dish is oven roasted with brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

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