black pepper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Informal (common in everyday cooking contexts).
Quick answer
What does “black pepper” mean?
A pungent spice made from the dried, unripe berries (peppercorns) of the Piper nigrum vine, used to season food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pungent spice made from the dried, unripe berries (peppercorns) of the Piper nigrum vine, used to season food.
The plant (Piper nigrum) itself, or the spice in its whole or ground form. Can also refer to the basic, common type of pepper as opposed to white pepper (which comes from the same berry but is processed differently).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both use 'black pepper' identically. Minor potential differences in associated measurements (e.g., 'a pinch' vs. 'a dash').
Connotations
Identical connotations of a common, essential kitchen spice.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “black pepper” in a Sentence
[Verb] + black pepper: grind, crack, add, sprinkle, season with[Adjective] + black pepper: ground, cracked, whole, fresh, coarseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “black pepper” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She asked him to pepper the stew with black pepper.
- The recipe directs you to black-pepper the steak generously. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- Make sure to pepper the potatoes with black pepper.
- He black-peppered his eggs. (rare, non-standard)
adjective
British English
- A strong black-pepper flavour came through in the sauce.
- It's a classic black pepper grinder.
American English
- The dressing had a distinct black-pepper kick.
- I need a new black pepper mill.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the context of spice trade, import/export, or commodity pricing.
Academic
In botanical, culinary, or historical studies discussing spice use.
Everyday
Overwhelmingly used in cooking instructions and recipes.
Technical
In food science, specifying ingredients or phytochemical composition.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “black pepper”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “black pepper”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “black pepper”
- Using 'black pepper' to refer to chili pepper or bell pepper.
- Incorrect pluralisation ('black peppers' is rare; usually 'black peppercorns' for the whole berries).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They come from the same berry. Black pepper is made from dried, unripe berries with the outer skin on. White pepper is made from the ripe berries with the outer skin removed, resulting in a milder, earthier flavour.
It is pungent and 'hot' due to the compound piperine, but it is not 'spicy' in the same way chili peppers are (which use capsaicin). It provides a sharp, biting heat rather than a burning sensation.
In cooking contexts, often yes (e.g., 'pass the pepper'). However, it can be ambiguous, as 'pepper' can also refer to chili or bell peppers. For clarity, especially in recipes, 'black pepper' is preferred.
The name comes from the colour of the dried, wrinkled peppercorns after the berries are dried in the sun, which causes the outer skin to darken.
A pungent spice made from the dried, unripe berries (peppercorns) of the Piper nigrum vine, used to season food.
Black pepper is usually neutral to informal (common in everyday cooking contexts). in register.
Black pepper: in British English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ˈpep.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ˈpep.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not common; the term is primarily literal]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Black' for the dark colour of the dried berry, 'Pepper' for the pungent spice. Remember it's the 'original' pepper, not the vegetable.
Conceptual Metaphor
BASIC/ESSENTIAL (as in 'salt and pepper' representing fundamental seasonings).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'black pepper' derived from?