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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

black pepper

Garam masala is an Indian spice blend whose exact makeup varies, but it commonly includes warming spices like cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper.

From Salon ● Sep. 28, 2026

Red pepper flakes and black pepper bring heat, while fresh thyme and lemon zest keep all that brown-on-brown flavor from becoming monotonous.

From Salon ● Sep. 14, 2026

I use the zest of a whole lemon rather than its juice — lots of brightness, no unnecessary liquid — plus dried thyme, garlic, onion and enough black pepper to make itself known.

From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2026

She would make bowties in a light Parmesan sauce with peas, ham and an indecent amount of black pepper.

From Salon ● Jul. 28, 2026

Familiar smells fill the house—sandalwood, turmeric, bay leaves, incense, black pepper.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins

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