pepperoni

American  

[pep-uh-roh-nee] / ˌpɛp əˈroʊ ni /

Or peperoni

noun

1. a highly seasoned, hard sausage of beef and pork.

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pepperoni British  

/ ˌpɛpəˈrəʊnɪ /

noun

1. a highly seasoned dry sausage of pork and beef spiced with pepper, used esp on pizza

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Etymology

Origin of pepperoni

1920–25, < Italian peperoni, plural of peperone cayenne pepper plant, augmentative of pepe pepper

Explanation

Pepperoni is a flavorful sausage that's usually cut in thin slices. On pizza night, you and your sister might argue about toppings: you prefer pepperoni, while she likes mushrooms and olives. Officially, pepperoni is a variety of salami, a sausage that makes most people think of sandwiches rather than pizza. Usually pepperoni is bright red, with a peppery, smoky flavor and a soft, chewy texture. Rather than black pepper, most pepperoni is flavored with paprika, a seasoning made from sweet bell peppers. The origin of the name backs this up: it comes from the Italian peperone, "bell pepper."

Example Sentences

Pepperoni placement is where this sleek Fremont spot really shines.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 5, 2024

Pepperoni and cheese slices, at $3 and $2.50, respectively, are more school cafeteria than Mulberry Street.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 4, 2023

The food: Pepperoni and margherita pizzas from a “highbrow” spot, as Washington called it.

From New York Times • Dec. 1, 2022

When describing its Gluten Free Uncured Pepperoni Pizza, TJ's said, "it isn't just good-for-gluten-free; it's good. Like, really good."

From Salon • Oct. 25, 2022

“All except the one to Hobart Hall. Pepperoni and mushrooms. Large.”

From "Silent To The Bone" by E.L. Konigsburg

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