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

Toss together chicken, barbecue sauce, peach preserves, olive oil, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper in a 9- x 13-inch baking dish until chicken is evenly coated and cornstarch is fully incorporated into sauce. —Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025

There are even some savory notes that pop, like sweet and sour barbecue and a bit of umami soy sauce, but these are evened out by sweeter and spicier flavors like vanilla, black pepper, and honey. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2025

Our Cacio e Pepe Crispies are extremely similar to Ina’s Parm crisps, just with bread crumbs and black pepper in the mix. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Oct. 2025

Golden Milk Golden milk is a drink made with milk, ground turmeric, and other spices like ginger and black pepper. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 19 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