paprika

noun

pa·​pri·​ka pə-ˈprē-kə How to pronounce paprika (audio)
pa-
: a usually mild red seasoning consisting of the dried finely ground pods of various sweet peppers
also : a sweet pepper used for making paprika

Examples of paprika in a Sentence

tomato sauce made with garlic, paprika, and pepper
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.
In a small bowl, combine the paprikas, cumin, salt, black pepper and cayenne and stir to blend. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 9 June 2026 Smoked paprika gives the dip an extra pop of color and adds another layer of flavor. — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 Fritas are pancaked on the plancha with cumin and paprika, sprinkled with tiny potato strings and diced onions on a Cuban roll. — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2026 Try it with any interesting spice blend in your pantry, or whip up a batch of this all-purpose mix, made with salt and pepper, plus garlic and onion powders, paprika, and celery seeds. — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for paprika

Word History

Etymology

Hungarian, from Serbian & Croatian, from papar ground pepper, ultimately from Latin piper — more at pepper

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paprika was in 1830

Rhymes for paprika

See All Rhymes for paprika

Browse Nearby Words

papreg
paprika
Pap smear
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paprika.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paprika. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

paprika

noun
pa·​pri·​ka pə-ˈprē-kə How to pronounce paprika (audio)
pa-
: a mild red spice consisting of the dried finely ground fruit of various cultivated sweet peppers

More from Merriam-Webster on paprika

Nglish: Translation of paprika for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paprika

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