black pepper

noun

: a spice that consists of the dried berry of an Indian vine ground with the black husk still on

also : the plant (Piper nigrum) that yields black pepper

Examples of black pepper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Drizzle with more dressing and add black pepper to your taste and serve. —Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 3 June 2024

There’s Worcestershire and black pepper kick in it, too. —Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 30 May 2024

Season the veal with salt and black pepper to taste, then drizzle lightly with extra-virgin olive oil and rub evenly to coat. —Tony Ferrari, Saveur, 15 May 2024

Add mustard greens, remaining ⅛ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder and remaining ¼ teaspoon black pepper. —Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 11 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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