black pepper

noun

: a spice that consists of the dried fruit of an Indian vine (Piper nigrum) ground with the black husk still on

also : the vine that yields black pepper see peppercorn compare white pepper

Examples of black pepper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Add the garlic, parsley, poultry seasoning, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper to the pan and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. —Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 18 Nov. 2025

Once the butter has melted and the potatoes are evenly coated, season to taste with salt and black pepper. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Nov. 2025

Using chai spice in the filling not only incorporates black pepper, but other warming spices like cardamom, in addition to pumpkin pie spice classics like ground ginger, cinnamon, clove, and allspice. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 13 Nov. 2025

Sprinkle with a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 12 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for black pepper

• leper
• lepper
• stepper

Kids Definition

black pepper

noun

: a spice that is made by grinding the fruit of the East Indian pepper with the black husk still on

Medical Definition

black pepper

noun

: a condiment that consists of the fruit of an Indian plant of the genus Piper (P. nigrum) ground with the black husk still on