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

Toss bell peppers, onion, bacon, garlic, and nutmeg with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons curry powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 3 teaspoons oil on a large rimmed baking sheet. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2026

The strawberry honey ice cream has a tangy twist with balsamic glaze and black pepper folded in. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2026

Add chicken broth, 1 cup of the milk, ranch mix, au jus mix, pepperoncini, pepperoncini liquid, and black pepper. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2026

Some examples of ingredients that fall under GRAS include canola oil, vinegar and spices such as black pepper. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 16 Feb. 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