pepperoni

noun

pep·​per·​o·​ni ˌpe-pə-ˈrō-nē How to pronounce pepperoni (audio)
Synonyms of pepperoninext
: a highly seasoned beef and pork sausage

Examples of pepperoni 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.
Its version is a blessed union of hot and pepper hams, Genoa salami, pepperoni, a thick ring of mild provolone, and an Amoroso’s roll. Adam Erace, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 June 2026 Their thin crust pizzas stay simple, with options like margherita, sausage or pepperoni. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026 Place the rice in a bowl and add the onion, peas, cheese, pepperoni, parsley or thyme, salt and pepper. Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 3 June 2026 The 90s Supreme, with Italian tomatoes, pepperoni, sausage, onions, mushrooms and peppers. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for pepperoni

Word History

Etymology

Italian peperoni cayenne peppers, plural of peperone, augmentative of pepe pepper, from Latin piper — more at pepper

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pepperoni was in 1888

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pepperoni.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pepperoni. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

pepperoni

noun
pep·​per·​o·​ni ˌpep-ə-ˈrō-nē How to pronounce pepperoni (audio)
: a highly seasoned beef and pork sausage

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