black pepper

American  

noun

1. a hot, sharp condiment prepared from the dried berries of a tropical vine, Piper nigrum.

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black pepper British  

noun

1. a pungent condiment made by grinding the dried unripe berries, together with their black husks, of the pepper plant Piper nigrum

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Compare meaning

How does black-pepper compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• white pepper vs. black pepper

Example Sentences

Stir well, then season with soy sauce, a few grinds of black pepper and salt as needed.

From Salon • May 19, 2026

It’s a spice mix made of cumin, coriander, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and turmeric.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Finish with torn basil, a decisive grind of black pepper, perhaps a small squeeze of lemon if it needs brightness.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026

Wafting through the air is a medley of warm spices I grew up savoring: nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, black pepper and ginger.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2026

Smells of black pepper, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and garlic mingle happily with the scent of new paint.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins