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pepperoni

noun

pep·​per·​o·​ni ˌpe-pə-ˈrō-nē How to pronounce pepperoni (audio)
: a highly seasoned beef and pork sausage

Examples of pepperoni in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At PrimoHoagies, subs can be paired with an assortment of premium sides from potato salad to pepperoni bites. Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 14 Nov. 2025 Although both locations sell pepperoni and cheese pizza by the slice, their pricing varies, with Anderson Township selling slices for $3, while the Over-the-Rhine location sells slices for $4. Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Nov. 2025 The pizza features new deli-style pepperoni, a three-cheese blend, and signature Italian seasoning, sliced into eight extra-extra-large pieces and delivered in the restaurant's largest box yet. Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025 Those looking for a more traditional pizza option will enjoy The Classic, a red sauce pie with mozzarella, Broadbent bacon crumble, and cupping pepperoni. Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pepperoni

Word History

Etymology

Italian peperoni cayenne peppers, plural of peperone, augmentative of pepe pepper, from Latin piper — more at pepper

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pepperoni was in 1888

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pepperoni.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pepperoni. Accessed 28 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

pepperoni

noun
pep·​per·​o·​ni ˌpep-ə-ˈrō-nē How to pronounce pepperoni (audio)
: a highly seasoned beef and pork sausage

More from Merriam-Webster on pepperoni

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