peppery

adjective

pep·​pery ˈpe-p(ə-)rē 

1

: of, relating to, or having the qualities of pepper : hot, pungent

a peppery taste

2

: having a hot temper : touchy

a peppery boss

3

: fiery, stinging

a peppery satire

pepperiness

ˈpe-p(ə-)rē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of peppery

• fiery
• spirited
• brisk
• passionate
• spunky

Examples of peppery in a Sentence

She's a peppery, outspoken woman.

the author of several peppery diatribes on religious intolerance

Recent Examples on the Web

Green olives, meanwhile, tend to be firmer and more briny, peppery and slightly more bitter. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 11 July 2026

Radishes Radishes are root vegetables (specifically taproots) with a peppery flavor, vitamin C, and fiber. — Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 10 July 2026

Smoked paprika, black pepper, and hot sauce give it a peppery twist, and when tucked into a buttery croissant, the whole salad is simply irresistible. — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 29 June 2026

Rather than the peppery brightness of the original, this version leans toward a woodier, warmer tone. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

peppery

adjective

pep·​pery ˈpep-(ə-)rē 

1

: of, relating to, or having the qualities of pepper : hot

2

: having a hot temper

3

: fiery sense 3a