cayenne

¹ American  

[kahy-en, key-, kahy-en] / kaɪˈɛn, keɪ-, ˈkaɪˌɛn /

noun

1. a hot, biting condiment composed of the ground pods and seeds of the pepper Capsicum annuum longum.

2. the long, wrinkled, twisted fruit of this plant.

3. the plant itself.

---

Cayenne ² American  

[kahy-en, key-] / kaɪˈɛn, keɪ- /

noun

1. a seaport in and the capital of French Guiana.

2. Also called cayenne whist.  (lowercase) a variety of whist played with two full packs of 52 cards each.

---

Cayenne British  

/ keɪˈɛn /

noun

1. the capital of French Guiana, on an island at the mouth of the Cayenne River: French penal settlement from 1854 to 1938. Pop: 50 594 (1999)

---

Other Word Forms

• cayenned adjective

Etymology

Origin of cayenne

1750–60; short for cayenne pepper, formerly cayan < Tupi kyinha, but long associated with Cayenne

Example Sentences

Some Rams players reportedly put cayenne pepper in their socks to keep the heat in their feet.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 18, 2026

It’s an espresso latte with miso corn syrup, cayenne, and salt, for a creamy drink with depth and a hint of a kick.

From Salon • Jan. 13, 2026

Each kettle corn popcorn is generously coated in honey powder and hot cayenne pepper, providing the perfect balance of two bold flavors.

From Salon • Jul. 30, 2025

The fried chicken is typically coated in a mixture of cayenne and paprika that singes the tongue.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 15, 2025

She hands me a cup of spicy cayenne tea and another sliver of chocolate, and adds a leech to each wrist.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton