Pepper

/ˈpɛpər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A pungent spice made from the dried berries of the pepper plant, often used to enhance the flavor of food.

I like to sprinkle black pepper on my salad for added flavor.

Any of several plants in the family Piperaceae, particularly the genus Piper, which includes the black pepper plant.

The chef recommended using freshly ground pepper from the Piper nigrum plant.

A vegetable of the genus Capsicum, commonly known as bell pepper or chili pepper, which can be sweet or spicy.

I added some chopped red pepper to the stir-fry for color and taste.

verb

To sprinkle or season with pepper.

Please pepper the steak before grilling it.

To attack or bombard with small projectiles or a rapid series of things.

The children peppered the walls with crayon drawings.

To add variety or interest to something.

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.

To attack with insults or criticism.

The critics really peppered the show with negative reviews.

To add energy or excitement to an event.

They peppered the party with fun games and activities.