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

The chicken is covered with an aromatic blend of oregano, paprika, and zesty lemon, and nestled atop fluffy basmati rice. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 17 Jan. 2026

Add the garlic, Italian seasoning and paprika and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 15 Jan. 2026

Each bite of brothy ground lamb and beans is flavored with sweet paprika and a touch of red pepper flakes—the perfect savory and spicy balance. —Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 9 Jan. 2026

The grits are paired with andouille sausage, paprika beurre blanc and crispy spinach. —Alexa Stone january 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 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