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

After cooking low and slow, the vegetables will be done to perfection, and the chicken will be flavored with salt, pepper, and paprika, and infused with the flavors and aromas of garlic and thyme. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026

Sprinkle the eggs generously with more paprika. —Paul Stephen, San Antonio Express-News, 1 Apr. 2026

Meanwhile, combine 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, paprika, and coriander in bowl. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026

Stir together flour, cornstarch, black pepper, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper in a separate shallow bowl. —Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 26 Mar. 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