red pepper

American  

noun

• red peppers
  plural

1. cayenne.

2. a pepper, Capsicum annuum longum, cultivated in many varieties, the yellow or red pods of which are used for flavoring, sauces, etc.

3. the mild, ripe fruit of the sweet pepper, Capsicum annuum grossum, used as a vegetable.

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red pepper British  

noun

1. any of several varieties of the pepper plant Capsicum frutescens , cultivated for their hot pungent red podlike fruits

2. the fruit of any of these plants

3. the ripe red fruit of the sweet pepper

4. another name for cayenne pepper

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• red peppers
  plural

Etymology

Origin of red pepper

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

red pepper

Throw in fennel seed, red pepper flakes, an obscene amount of parsley, the zest of an entire lemon or a few dashes of soy sauce.

From Salon ● Sep. 6, 2026

So I sliced the kielbasa into coins, cut up one red pepper and one medium onion, tucked the whole thing into a reusable freezer bag and flattened it out.

From Salon ● Aug. 25, 2026

In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, oil, buttermilk powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, black pepper and red pepper until well combined.

From Salon ● Jul. 14, 2026

Think whipped ricotta and blue cheese on crisp oil-toasted sourdough, topped with muddled olives, garlic, lemon and orange zest, fresh basil, olive brine, and a little red pepper flake.

From Salon ● Jul. 7, 2026

I study the shaker of red pepper flakes.

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden

Related Words

• chili pepper
• hot pepper
• jalapeno