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

On its own, the pastrami is tough and rubbery, with pockets of black pepper wherever there’s a bite with bark. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025

Gently transfer to a plate, and garnish with more black pepper, cheddar cheese, and herbs. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 11 May 2025

The palate features cherry syrup with crème de cassis, black pepper, oak, and vanilla. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025

Turmeric and black pepper are popular spices used in cooking and traditional medicine. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 8 May 2025

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