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

They’re tossed in a blend of malt-vinegar powder, sugar, salt, black pepper, and MSG, a miraculous combination that activates every sensory receptor simultaneously, and nearly blows out your palate for anything else. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 19 July 2026

The palate leans into fig and raisins alongside deep spice before a lengthy finish big on pine and black pepper. — David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Infused with notes of black pepper, amber, patchouli, bergamot and vetiver, Portofino ’97 marked Victoria Beckham Beauty’s inaugural foray into fragrance. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 16 July 2026

Lightly coat the steaks on both sides with oil and season evenly with salt and black pepper. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 14 July 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