cayenne pepper

noun

1

: a pungent condiment consisting of the ground dried fruits or seeds of hot peppers

2

: hot pepper

especially : any of several cultivated peppers of a variety (Capsicum annuum var. longum) with very long twisted pungent red fruits

3

: the fruit of a cayenne pepper

Examples of cayenne pepper in a Sentence

a dash of cayenne pepper

Recent Examples on the Web

Whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl until combined. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026

Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026

Cayenne Initial evidence suggests that combining turmeric with cayenne pepper may yield even stronger anti-inflammatory benefits. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2026

Use Homemade Spray To make a batch, combine 1 garlic bulb, 1 small onion, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a food processor or blender and process into a paste. —Jon Vanzile, The Spruce, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

by folk etymology from earlier cayan, ultimately modification of Tupi kɨʔɨ̃já, kɨʔɨ̃nʸá

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cayenne pepper

• leper
• lepper
• stepper