Meaning & Definition of word "Pepper"

Pepper

/ˈpɛpər/

1. A pungent spice made from the dried berries of the pepper plant, often used to enhance the flavor of food.
- Example: I like to sprinkle black pepper on my salad for added flavor.
2. Any of several plants in the family Piperaceae, particularly the genus Piper, which includes the black pepper plant.
- Example: The chef recommended using freshly ground pepper from the Piper nigrum plant.
3. A vegetable of the genus Capsicum, commonly known as bell pepper or chili pepper, which can be sweet or spicy.
- Example: I added some chopped red pepper to the stir-fry for color and taste.

1. To sprinkle or season with pepper.
- Example: Please pepper the steak before grilling it.
2. To attack or bombard with small projectiles or a rapid series of things.
- Example: The children peppered the walls with crayon drawings.
3. To add variety or interest to something.
- Example: The author peppered her narrative with anecdotes to engage the readers.

Middle English, from Old French 'poivre', from Latin 'piper', from Greek 'piperi'.

pepper in:

To add zest or excitement to something.

pepper the conversation:

To sprinkle a discussion with interesting points.

pepper with:

To scatter or distribute something throughout.

black pepper:

A spice made from the dried fruit of the pepper plant, usually sold in whole or ground form.

red pepper:

A common name for various types of hot peppers.

peppercorn:

The dried fruit of the pepper plant, used as a spice.

Meaning: To attack with insults or criticism.

Example Sentence: The critics really peppered the show with negative reviews.

Meaning: To add energy or excitement to an event.

Example Sentence: They peppered the party with fun games and activities.