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

Capsaicin is what gives cayenne pepper that special kick that it’s known and loved for. — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 17 July 2026

Some home repellents include coffee grounds, cayenne pepper, or clove, mint, or lemongrass essential oils. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 13 July 2026

Every week at the Crystal Hot Sauce factory, just north of New Orleans in Reserve, Louisiana, two train cars full of mashed cayenne peppers arrive on the tracks just outside the plant’s back door. — Chloe Sorvino, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Cajun seasoning is a blend of black and cayenne pepper with onion, garlic and other herbs. — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 23 June 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