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

Salt and black pepper are used in the seasoning blend for the pork chops and to season the gravy before serving. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 19 Mar. 2026

Add olive oil, salt, cumin, black pepper and cayenne pepper and stir well to combine. —C.w. Cameron, AJC.com, 15 Mar. 2026

Add ground beef, onion, celery, black pepper and 1 teaspoon of the salt; cook, stirring often to crumble, until beef is browned and onions are softened, 6 to 8 minutes. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026

Chai is made from black tea mixed with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 13 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