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

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