Scotch bonnet

American  

noun

1. a small, irregularly shaped, extremely hot chile pepper, the fruit of a variety of Capsicum chinense related to the habanero and ranging from yellow to red.

---

Etymology

Origin of Scotch bonnet

First recorded in 1840–45; so called from its shape

Example Sentences

Depending on your mood, you might continue with Royal Red shrimp served raw with dots of fermented Scotch bonnet pepper and a dusting of spiced red hibiscus flower.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

On one visit, the Ghanaian snack kosua ne meko — soft-boiled eggs topped with a Scotch bonnet pepper relish — was fairly incendiary, with a warning scent wafting through the air.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 14, 2024

A staple ingredient in Caribbean cuisine, Scotch bonnet chili peppers tout a subtle yet delicious sweet taste.

From Salon • Oct. 18, 2022

And there’s a kick of spice present — enough Scotch bonnet for you to say, “Hunh,” but not enough to send you sprinting.

From New York Times • Feb. 23, 2022

I am a sharp dagger and Scotch bonnet peppers in rum.

From "American Street" by Ibi Zoboi