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

Taking 5 mg of piperine (the active compound in black pepper) with 2,000 mg of turmeric can boost its absorption by up to three times. —Patricia Weiser, Verywell Health, 9 Apr. 2026

Add the stock, cheese hunk, bay leaf, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the black pepper. —Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2026

For example, spice maker McCormick initially warned investors that tariffs could cost $70 million in fiscal 2025 as prices for black pepper, cinnamon and vanilla were projected to rise. —Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026

Just about any thick, flavorful sauce will work with this technique, but the lingering heat and sweet backbone of the black pepper sauce below pairs particularly well with pork chops. —Kate Williams, AJC.com, 30 Mar. 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