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

Add shiitake mushroom stems, leek greens and peppercorns; simmer for 15 minutes to make stock. —Faye Levy, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025

On the finish, the spice reaches a crescendo, with both ample cinnamon, potent ginger, clove oil, and both black and red peppercorns. —David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

And the Spanish gin and tonic, an easily crushable, clean and bright cocktail, is art in a glass, served with lemon, peppercorns and a veritable garden of fresh herbs floating within. —Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025

This santal and cedar candle mixes fragrances like cardamom and crushed black peppercorn with hints of patchouli, and the base scent offers an inviting blend of white cedarwood and golden amber. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 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