red pepper

American  

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of red pepper

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

Then, while they were still warm, I’d do something crucial: ladle over more golden olive oil, a shake of oregano, red pepper flakes, and a splash of red wine vinegar.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

I added a little more butter, then, with a thrill of reckless curiosity, drizzled in maple syrup, white miso, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds and oregano, watching each addition dissolve and bloom.

From Salon • Nov. 18, 2025

After a quick midmorning coffee break, Lira launches into his prep work shift, crafting goat cheese and red pepper empanadas.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2025

Alfonso Lira makes red pepper and goat cheese empanadas during his double-shift at the gastropub Chapter One in downtown Santa Ana.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2025

He always hands me a piece of red pepper or broccoli and asks me to test it for freshness.

From "Amina's Voice" by Hena Khan

Related Words

• chili pepper
• hot pepper
• jalapeno