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.
Add the shallot to the skillet, along with the salt and black pepper, and cook for 1 minute, or until the shallot starts to soften. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 24 Oct. 2026 If cloves are the on-ramp, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise and black pepper are the next exits. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026 For Batch 2026-03, expect big notes of oak, vanilla, cherry pie, honey peanuts, black pepper, and a bit of menthol on the finish. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2026 Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for black pepper

See All Rhymes for black pepper

Browse Nearby Words

black pear
black pepper
black peppermint
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Black pepper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20pepper. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about black pepper

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