paprika

American  

[pa-pree-kuh, puh-, pah-, pap-ri-kuh] / pæˈpri kə, pə-, pɑ-, ˈpæp rɪ kə /

noun

1. a red, powdery condiment derived from dried, ripe sweet peppers.

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adjective

1. cooked or seasoned with paprika.

paprika British  

/ ˈpæprɪkə, pæˈpriː- /

noun

1. a mild powdered seasoning made from a sweet variety of red pepper

2. the fruit or plant from which this seasoning is obtained

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Etymology

Origin of paprika

First recorded in 1895–1900; from Hungarian, from Serbo-Croatian pàprika “pepper, paprika,” derivative of pȁpar “ground pepper,” from unattested Slavic pĭprŭ, pĭprĭ (compare Old Church Slavonic pĭprŭ, Slovenian péper, Czech pepř, Polish pieprz ), ultimately from Latin piper pepper

Explanation

Paprika is a bright red spice that's made from dried bell peppers. If you've ever tasted Hungarian goulash, you're familiar with the flavor of paprika. While it's common to associate paprika with Hungarian and other Eastern European cuisines, it's actually used all over the world. You'll find paprika flavoring Spanish dishes like gambas al ajillo (shrimp with garlic), Moroccan lentils, and even sprinkled on top of deviled eggs at a North American picnic. Paprika is a Hungarian word from a Latin root, piper, or "pepper."

Example Sentences

“A little smoked paprika sprinkled over the cheese before it melts also gives a nice, complex flavor boost. Both are inexpensive ways to make it feel less like a frozen meal.”

From Salon • May 30, 2026

While that’s going, sauté thinly sliced onion in a pan until it softens, then add black beans, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.

From Salon • May 5, 2026

Layer in additional paprika — a blend of smoked and sweet.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

Its paprika and gentle heat bloom in the oven, perfuming everything around it.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026

As in beef stew with loads of paprika?

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin