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

Peppery apricot Whisk together 3 tablespoons apricot preserves, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar and coarsely cracked black pepper. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026

This smells like taking a bite of the ripest, juiciest fruits (cue the blend of mango and blackberry, seasoned with a hit of black pepper) for mouthwatering results. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026

White pepper can be substituted with black pepper. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026

Season burgers just before cooking Season both sides of the burger patty generously with kosher salt and black pepper right before sliding them into the pan. —Li Goldstein, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026

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