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

For Batch 2026-03, expect big notes of oak, vanilla, cherry pie, honey peanuts, black pepper, and a bit of menthol on the finish. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2026

Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026

Inspired by the souks of Marrakech, Casbah combines the spicy warmth of black pepper and nutmeg with the elegance of cedarwood, tobacco, and angelica. — Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026

Lightly marinate with French’s mustard; season with salt and a couple turns of black pepper. — ABC News, 2 Oct. 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