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

The beef is seasoned with tandoori spices, black pepper and salt, then smoked low and slow until tender, pulled apart and served on soft bread with masala onions and Dhaba’s cilantro giardiniera aioli. —Sam Flemming, AJC.com, 14 May 2026

Fennel, cumin, coriander and black pepper perfume sistani, another round flatbread with barley mixed into the wheat flour for a nutty taste and pliant crumb. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026

Silky cubes of tofu and tender ground pork in a glossy sauce with a subtle heat, more driven by black pepper than the lurid red chilis that swam alongside. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2026

Red pepper, oregano, black pepper and sriracha are also available. —Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026

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