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

These poppers start with the crisp, juicy snap of mini sweet peppers, which are filled with a creamy, tangy pimiento cheese spiked with smoky bacon and a whisper of black pepper. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 5 May 2026

Ingredients Salt and black pepper Directions Wash chard well; drain in a colander. —Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Apr. 2026

Strips of beef are cooked in a screaming hot wok with cherry tomatoes, onion and French fries, then seasoned with soy sauce and black pepper. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026

Season to taste with additional salt and black pepper. —ABC News, 27 Apr. 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