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

The Szechuan peppercorn brings a gentle numbing sensation, while the five-spice adds warmth and complexity. — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

It’s topped with Gruyère and finished with a blend of black, white and Szechuan peppercorns along with Indonesian long pepper and grains of paradise. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, rhubarb, water, sugar, ginger, and pink peppercorns. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2026

Place garlic cloves, coriander, peppercorns and crushed red pepper flakes in the bottom of jar. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2026

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