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

As the salmon blackens in a skillet, the spices awaken, encrusting the fish in peppery piquant. —The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Feb. 2026

Intoxicating tuberose is enhanced by dark, peppery vanilla, suede, and alluring tonka bean. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 3 Feb. 2026

Chenjeh, lamb bathed in a peppery marinade with the merest suggestion of saffron, is my favorite kebab, the one that yields to a fork but hits as boldest in flavor. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026

Creole seasoning adds peppery heat to keep this soup vibrant, along with apple cider vinegar which helps to balance the saltiness of the sausage and seasoning. —Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 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