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

Steak Au Poivre FAQs Why does this steak au poivre recipe use whole black peppercorns? — Molly Baz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Aug. 2026

Pickled cherry tomatoes will have your mouth watering thanks to a tangy brine that’s flavored with black peppercorns, fresh garlic, and basil. — Barrett Heald, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Aug. 2026

Fill with premium Vietnamese black peppercorns and German white rock salt for the finishing touch every cookout deserves. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026

Aggressive spiciness throughout, most notably in our favorite entree, Ma La Chile Prawns, stir fried with Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger and julienned Chinese celery. — Connie Ogle july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 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