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

Cinnamon, ginger, cayenne pepper, cardamom, saffron, cloves, and black pepper, all deserve a spot in your anti-inflammatory diet. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Oct. 2025

Season to taste with salt and black pepper. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 3 Oct. 2025

Season with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2025

Full Proof features notes of vanilla, fresh tobacco, leather, and subtle clove on the nose, rich in honey sweetness on the palate, with touches of raisins, black pepper and a smoky oak finish that quickly transforms into toffee and dark chocolate. —Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Oct. 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