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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Add zest, cherries, cayenne pepper, rosemary, preserves, vinegar, and cloves. Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 17 June 2025 Soak them overnight to make batter for thin flax seed crackers and add spices like salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 11 June 2025 Use repellents: Natural repellents like peppermint, cloves, and cayenne pepper can help deter rodents. Eliminate food and trash: Keep your car and surrounding area clean to avoid attracting rodents. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025 Sift cocoa powder and cayenne pepper into deep baking dish. Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cayenne pepper

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cayenne pepper was in 1756

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cayenne pepper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cayenne%20pepper. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cayenne pepper

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!