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

All-Purpose Beer-Braised Pulled Pork This moist, tender pork roasts in a mixture of beer, orange juice, chili powder, and black pepper. — Jasmine Thompson, Midwest Living, 20 Aug. 2026

With crispy pork, plenty of black pepper, and a simple, glossy sauce, this carbonara recipe delivers a lot with very little. — Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026

Add corn from 7 ears, salt, black pepper, paprika and cayenne. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, broth, salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper; bring to a boil over medium-high. — Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026

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