peppercorn

noun pep·per·corn \ ˈpe-pər-ˌkȯrn \

|Updated on: 11 Aug 2018

Definition of peppercorn

: a dried berry of the black pepper

See peppercorn defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of peppercorn from the Web

For garnishes, a grating of lemon or lime zest on the honeydews or watermelons works nicely; a faint grinding of pink peppercorns on the Charentais draws out the flavors of the Port.

— aleksandra crapanzano, WSJ, "The 5-Minute Dessert of the Summer," 12 July 2018
The scalding soup has a truly sour quality spiked with heat from the peppercorns.

— michael bauer, San Francisco Chronicle, "Mister Jiu’s fulfills its vision with 3½ stars," 11 Apr. 2018
In a small bowl, combine the peppercorns, paprika, salt, brown sugar and celery seed, making sure there are no brown sugar lumps.

— susan selasky, Detroit Free Press, "Ribs 101: Pitmasters offer advice on cooking ribs," 1 July 2018
Meanwhile, in a separate small pot, combine 1⅓ cups water, vinegar, sugar, salt, peppercorns, thyme and bay leaf.

— jonah miller, WSJ, "Throw a Summer Party the Effortless Spanish Way," 6 July 2018
Atlantic salmon sauteed with pink peppercorns, cognac and cream.

— gwen ashley walters, azcentral, "10 summer deals at Phoenix restaurants, casual to upscale dining," 15 June 2018
In this case, it’s suan cai yu, a spicy and sour soup of small curls of fish fillet in a broth laden with Sichuan peppercorns, dried chile peppers, and pickled vegetables.

— jim thurman, Los Angeles Magazine, "A China Chain’s Pricey Bowls of Sauerkraut Fish Soup Have Landed in the SGV," 24 May 2018
Avocado wedges, cilantro sprigs, thinly sliced cabbage, sliced jalapeños, sliced radishes, lime wedges, sour cream, tortilla chips, and hot sauce (for serving) Drain hominy and place in a large heavy pot; add onions, bay leaves, peppercorns, 2 Tbsp.

— anna stockwell, Bon Appetit, "Party Posole Rojo," 26 Mar. 2018
Season water with salt, then add oil, vinegar, peppercorns, and wine; squeeze in lemon, and drop in peel.

— Sunset, "Composed Mediterranean Salad," 22 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'peppercorn.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.