peppercorn

noun

pep·​per·​corn ˈpe-pər-ˌkȯrn 

plural peppercorns

: the small round fruit of the black pepper that is typically dried and ground as a spice

Examples of peppercorn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Stir together wine, orange juice, sugar, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, peppercorns, and cardamom in a large, non-reactive saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high, stirring until sugar dissolves. —Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2025

Add the leek greens, parsley, thyme, peppercorns, wine and water and bring to a boil, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface with a slotted spoon. —Georgeanne Brennan, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025

Wintry Blend Coffee Cloves, green and red peppercorns, and cinnamon are all nestled in this 100% Arabica coffee blend. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Dec. 2025

In a large Dutch oven or pot set over medium-high heat, add the crushed cardamom pods, peppercorns, coriander seeds, cloves and star anise. —CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for peppercorn

• unicorn
• waterborne
• winterbourne
• adorn
• airborne
• blackthorn
• broomcorn
• buckhorn
• buckthorn
• careworn
• firstborn
• foodborne

Kids Definition

peppercorn

noun

pep·​per·​corn ˈpep-ər-ˌkȯ(ə)rn 

: a dried berry of the black pepper