paprika

noun

pa·​pri·​ka pə-ˈprē-kə 

pa-

: a usually mild red seasoning consisting of the dried finely ground pods of various sweet peppers

also : a sweet pepper used for making paprika

Examples of paprika in a Sentence

tomato sauce made with garlic, paprika, and pepper

Recent Examples on the Web

Add the garlic, lemon juice and zest, the cumin, coriander, paprika and cayenne to the couscous and stir to combine. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 21 July 2026

Cook garlic until lightly golden, then add paprika and pepper flakes. — ABC News, 17 July 2026

In a large bowl, combine macaroni with remaining ingredients except paprika; mix well. — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Monochromatic dressing is far from bland with this season’s paprika hues. — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 10 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Hungarian, from Serbian & Croatian, from papar ground pepper, ultimately from Latin piper — more at pepper

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for paprika

• arnica
• carica
• rebekah
• turcica
• chica

Kids Definition

paprika

noun

pa·​pri·​ka pə-ˈprē-kə 

pa-

: a mild red spice consisting of the dried finely ground fruit of various cultivated sweet peppers