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

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’ve made these a dozen different ways: cheddar and chive, goat cheese and red pepper, pizza-inspired, spinach and feta.

From Salon • May 22, 2026

Then came the spices: oregano, cumin, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes and a spoonful of harissa for smoky heat.

From Salon • May 12, 2026

There’s the Italian-style pasta salad, tossed in olive oil and vinegar and studded with olive-bar favorites — roasted red pepper, artichoke hearts, basil — and perhaps some deli stalwarts, like chopped cured meats or cheeses.

From Salon • Jan. 29, 2026

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