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 bones are then added to a pot with fresh thyme and black peppercorns, covered with cold water, and simmered on as low heat overnight. —Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026

During one visit, a smattering of green peppercorns in the burger‘s condiments evoked a playful take on steak au poivre. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026

Star anise is often used alongside other spices, so consider adding peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, cardamom or other hard spices to the homemade sachet. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026

Ask for a side of voodoo sauce, which offers hints of peppercorns, bourbon and butter. —Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 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