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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Reduce the heat to low and whisk in ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 1 Nov. 2024 In addition, The Bigger Feast includes black pepper & Gruyère biscuits, a pear-walnut salad with pomegranate vinaigrette, and a ginger-apple crisp with a walnut-oat topping. Jennifer Adams, StyleCaster, 29 Oct. 2024 Other ingredients like milk, black pepper, cinnamon, and ginger offer additional benefits. Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2024 The eau de parfum includes top notes of Madagascar black pepper and Italian mandarin; heart notes of jasmine sambac absolute and rhubarb, and base notes of Indonesian patchouli and skin musk. James Manso, WWD, 24 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near black pepper

Cite this Entry

“Black pepper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20pepper. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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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