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
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.
Top with scallions; garnish with additional Parmesan and black pepper. Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025 It’s finished with a generous sprinkling of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2025 Look forward to Creekstone steaks finished with a red wine demi, seafood that nods to the coast, and starters like Parker House rolls with black pepper honey that hit the table warm. Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025 Season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for black pepper

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of black pepper was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Black pepper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20pepper. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on black pepper

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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