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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.
Created in collaboration with Samantha Schnur of the media brand The Naughty Fork, the pizza includes spicy vodka sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella, ricotta and Zab’s hot honey. Miami Herald, 26 Nov. 2025 According to its website, toppings include bacon, ham, anchovies, chicken, Philly steak, pepperoni and sausage. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025 Spicy soppressata, pepperoni, and olive tapenade bring in a salty richness. Marissa Mullen, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025 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 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 3 Dec. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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