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
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The same constraints apply to the black pepper, which is mostly grown in tropical regions such as Vietnam, Indian, and Brazil. Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 Add brown sugar, mustard, black pepper, remaining 1/2 cup vinegar, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt to reserved drippings in skillet; cook over medium, stirring often and scraping up any browned bits, until mixture is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 3 June 2025 Generously season with black pepper and, if using, light sprinkling of flaky sea salt. Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 30 May 2025 Espresso-Chile Rub 2 tablespoons espresso powder 3 tablespoons ground chile powder such as ancho 3 tablespoons kosher salt 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon ground black pepper Combine all ingredients and mix well. Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for black pepper

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of black pepper was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Black pepper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20pepper. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on black pepper

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