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

The flavor then broadens through creamy mozzarella and peppery rocket to sweet pesto. —Dominic Green, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026

Take, for example, Mint Salsa Verde Potato and Chicken Salad with crisp cucumber and peppery arugula, a picnic mainstay. —The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026

The buffalo sauce served on wings and boneless wings is made daily and has a thicker, more peppery flavor profile than the buffalo sauce served nationwide. —Katie Riley, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026

Nero Tondo The black Spanish heirloom radish has a sharp, peppery flavor reminiscent of horseradish. —Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 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