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

Active compounds in black pepper (piperine) enhance its absorption. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 29 Jan. 2026

Add the chicken stock, squash, tomatoes, cheese chunk, bay leaf, thyme, salt and black pepper. —Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026

According to an Instagram post by the popular bagel shop, a hot sea salt sesame bagel is getting adorned by oyster mushrooms, pumpkin bushi, black pepper, a savory rose fudge, nasturtium and bergamot. —Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026

Season to taste with salt and black pepper. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 26 Jan. 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