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

Sprinkle the steak with ½ teaspoon of salt and ground black pepper. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025

Place chicken, carrots, celery, bay leaves, bouillon cube, 2 cups of the onions, 2 teaspoons of the salt, and 1 teaspoon of the black pepper in a large stockpot. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025

Grant revealed that the ingredients included buttermilk, garlic, paprika and black pepper. —Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025

The rye’s intrinsic black pepper, vanilla, oak, and maple notes shine through, but these are all augmented (and not overtaken) by the flavors from the finishing casks, making this a thoroughly engaging sipper. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2025

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