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

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 freshly ground black pepper — assertive, fragrant.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 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

Once again, that memory of waving black hair, and strong hands and the smell of milk and thyme and black pepper, and a woman’s voice screaming, She’s mine, she’s mine, she's mine.

From "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" by Kelly Barnhill