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, chipotle pepper, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, nutritional yeast, and salt. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

Scientists evaluated ingredients like purple beet juice, paprika and annatto, a natural seed extract from the achiote tree that grows in tropical regions of the Americas. — Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026

Each bite of brothy ground lamb and beans is flavored with sweet paprika and a touch of red pepper flakes—the perfect savory-spicy balance. — Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 17 Sep. 2026

Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons pickle brine, onion powder, and paprika until combined. — Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 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