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

Lots of black pepper and some garlic powder add seasoning. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 18 June 2025

The finish is long and spicy, with lingering notes of black pepper. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

That’s followed by cola, molasses, dark fruit, fruit cobbler, and butter cream on the palate, with mature oak, char, deep oak spice, and a hint of black pepper on the finish. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 16 June 2025

Blend the oil, garlic, ginger, oregano, black pepper, cumin, cloves, cinnamon and tomato paste together until smooth and heat them in a small pan until fragrant. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 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