hot pepper

noun

: any of various small and usually thin-walled capsicum fruits of marked pungency

also : a plant (especially a variant or cultivar of Capsicum annuum and C. frutescens) bearing hot peppers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Top them with paprika, as called for in the recipe, or experiment with other toppings like diced jalapeno peppers, sliced green onions or hot pepper. —

Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 16 Apr. 2022 Poblanos are dark green, relatively mild for a hot pepper, and grow 3 to 6 inches long. —

Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Feb. 2023 In his research, people who consumed 2.1 grams of hot pepper per day—that's about 1.25 teaspoons of cayenne pepper—experienced this benefit. —

Julie Stewart, Men's Health, 28 Feb. 2023 Our marinara sauce is also homemade with feta cheese and hot pepper flakes, which gives it a little zip. —

Kristine M. Kierzek, Journal Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2023 For added heat, toss in a few drops of hot pepper sauce, such as this pressure cooker smoky habanero hot sauce. —

Kristy Alpert, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2022 The spicy tuna sub will have tuna and mayo topped with lettuce, onion, tomato and oregano with the addition of Wisconsin cheddar cheese and the Cousins brand hot pepper relish. —

Elaine Rewolinski, Journal Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2023 Sprinkle with the mango, hot pepper, if using, and cilantro; top with the flaky sea salt, to taste; and serve. —

Ellie Krieger, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2023 Different types of hot pepper vinegar are popular around the globe: the American South’s peppa sauce (the key to truly transcendent collard greens), Thai prik nam som, and Brazilian malagueta chiles in vinegar, to name just a few. —

Asha Loupy, Bon Appétit, 15 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hot pepper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.