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

Get it with mustard or a peppery chili, just not solely ketchup (per house rules). — Matt Cortina, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026

Add a can of white beans for heft and serve with peppery greens like arugula or a hardy chicory like radicchio. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026

The flavor of this mushroom is often described as strong and slightly peppery. — Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026

My father would order the macaroni soup, its peppery broth filled with slices of ham and soft pasta. — Mimi Thorisson, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 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