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black pepper
noun
: a spice that consists of the dried berry of an Indian vine ground with the black husk still on
also
: the plant (Piper nigrum) that yields black pepper
Examples of black pepper in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Stir in the olives, thyme and oregano sprigs, and season with salt and black pepper.
—Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024
Cook and stir for about 2-3 minutes, then season to taste with salt and black pepper as needed.
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 9 Mar. 2024
Add black pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, or any additional spices based on your preferences.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2024
Freshly cracked black pepper is the perfect finish.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 2024
Add the garlic, thyme, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper and stir to coat.
—Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 29 Feb. 2024
The day before cooking, dry-brine the chicken: In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, black pepper, cayenne and 1½ tablespoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or a heaping 2 teaspoons fine sea salt).
—Ali Slagle, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2024
Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, sea salt and black pepper, then brown in a large ovenproof casserole pan on a high heat, removing it to a plate once golden all over (roughly 5 minutes).
—Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 26 Feb. 2024
Ingredients 4 to 6 medium to large catfish fillets, rinsed and patted dry
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp cayenne pepper (optional)
2 tbsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp yellow mustard
½ cup hot sauce
1 ½ cup corn meal
1 ½ all-purpose flour
2 eggs
Canola oil
1.
—Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 1 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'black pepper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of black pepper was
before the 12th century
Dictionary Entries Near black pepper
Cite this Entry
“Black pepper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20pepper. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on black pepper
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about black pepper
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