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

Specifically, the official tasting notes detail cedar, nutmeg, and cinnamon on the nose; vanilla extract, butterscotch, and black pepper on the palate; and fading black pepper and some more cinnamon on the finish. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 11 Nov. 2025

Tailor this recipe to your tastes, swap dill for chives, or add a bit of spice with paprika, cayenne, or black pepper. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025

Add the garlic, parsley, poultry seasoning, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper to the pan and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 7 Nov. 2025

The Astronaut Center of China (ACC) shared footage of the astronauts preparing New Orleans–style chicken wings and black pepper steak, and savoring the sizzling results. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 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