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

The nose is dominated by cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper, with caramel, vanilla, and a touch of orange peel beneath. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Make sure to top with flaky salt and plenty of black pepper. —Embry Roberts, Martha Stewart, 24 May 2026

Garnish with a sprinkle of salt and a good crack of black pepper. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 23 May 2026

Salt and freshly ground black pepper Remove visible fat from the pork tenderloin. —Linda Gassenheimer, Boston Herald, 20 May 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