pimiento

American  

[pi-myen-toh, -men-] / pɪˈmjɛn toʊ, -ˈmɛn- /

noun

• pimientos
  plural

1. the ripe, red, mild-flavored fruit of the sweet or bell pepper, Capsicum annuum, used as a vegetable, relish, to stuff olives, etc.

2. the plant itself.

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pimiento British  

/ pɪˈmjɛntəʊ, -ˈmɛn- /

noun

1. Also called: pimento.  a Spanish pepper, Capsicum annuum, with a red fruit used raw in salads, cooked as a vegetable, and as a stuffing for green olives

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• pimientos
  plural

Etymology

Origin of pimiento

First recorded in 1835–45; see origin at pimento

Explanation

A pimiento is a type of sweet red pepper that's often found stuffed inside green olives or used to add a mild, tangy flavor to various dishes. The word pimiento comes from the Spanish word for "pepper" and refers to a specific variety of mild, sweet red pepper. Unlike spicier peppers, the pimiento is known for its gentle sweetness and is often used in a variety of culinary dishes. Because it has a pretty tough skin, it's usually cooked before it's used. Chopped up, it's a key ingredient in pimiento cheese, a popular spread in the Southern United States. Small pieces of pimiento are sometimes used to stuff snacking olives, and this pepper is also dried and ground up to make a popular spice called paprika.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pimiento pimientos

Next, the grated cheese was mashed with the back of a fork into a block of cream cheese along with a tiny jar of drained pimiento peppers, which stained the whole mixture bright orange.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 11, 2022

At that point, Cafe 212 went grocery-store style, offering only pre-made items like chicken salad and pimiento cheese.

From Washington Times ● Apr. 5, 2020

He suggested the addition of diced ham, or minced clams, shucked oysters or a handful of slivered pimiento.

From New York Times ● Nov. 22, 2017

A pimiento cheeseburger with a shot of the Joint's signature horseradish Mojo sauce.

From Southern Living ● May 21, 2012

Then the two of us had pimiento cheese sandwiches and sweet tea for lunch.

From "Wish" by Barbara O'Connor

Well, you know those pimientos you get stuffed in olives?

From The Guardian ● Apr. 10, 2018

While most of them are sweet, some are made piquant with pimientos and olives.

From The Complete Book of Cheese by Robert Carlton Brown

Olives rival pimientos for such mildly piquant blends that just suit the bland American taste.

From The Complete Book of Cheese by Robert Carlton Brown

If preferred, use 3 sweet red peppers in place of pimientos.

From For Luncheon and Supper Guests by Alice Bradley

SUGGESTIONS: Cream cheese and chopped chives, pimientos, olives, or all three, with or without a touch of Worcestershire.

From The Complete Book of Cheese by Robert Carlton Brown