cubeb

noun

cu·​beb ˈkyü-ˌbeb 

: the dried unripe berry of a tropical shrub (Piper cubeba) of the pepper family that is used as a spice

Examples of cubeb in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The palate is dry, full-bodied, and aromatic, with notes of citrus peel, floral spice, ginger, cubeb pepper, and a subtle nutty undertone from almonds. — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2026

Vetiver, cubeb pepper, lemongrass, and Darjeeling green tea all serve to create a sense of place in these award-winning gins. — Claudia Alarcón, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023

That’s rounded out with an unusual bite of cubeb pepper (a type of peppercorn) and grains of paradise (the seeds from a plant in the same family as ginger). — Paul Stephen, ExpressNews.com, 13 June 2020

For Salt & Straw's take on the dish, the blood is mixed with cinnamon, cilantro, cubeb pepper, and brandy to create a warm, salty dessert. — Andrea Park, Teen Vogue, 4 Oct. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Middle English quibibe, cubebe, from Anglo-French quibibe, cubibe, from Medieval Latin cubeba, from dialect Arabic kubāba

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

cubeb

noun

cu·​beb ˈkyü-ˌbeb 

: the dried unripe berry of a tropical shrub (Piper cubeba) of the pepper family that was formerly used medicinally when powdered for its effect on mucous membranes especially as a urinary antiseptic and to treat chronic bronchitis