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

Taste farrotto and season with more salt and black pepper if needed. —Leah Donnella, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Jan. 2026

To make the meatballs, in a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, ½ cup of the parmesan cheese, water, egg, garlic, onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 22 Jan. 2026

Add the spinach and a pinch of nutmeg and season to taste with salt and black pepper. —Locke-Ober, Saveur, 22 Jan. 2026

Serve them with ranch dressing sprinkled with black pepper and green onion to pack every bite with even more flavor. —Holly Riordan, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Jan. 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