capsicum: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Botanical, culinary, technical, formal everyday (especially outside North America).
Quick answer
What does “capsicum” mean?
A plant of the nightshade family (genus Capsicum), which produces fruits known as peppers, which vary greatly in size, colour, and pungency (heat).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A plant of the nightshade family (genus Capsicum), which produces fruits known as peppers, which vary greatly in size, colour, and pungency (heat).
The fruit of this plant, used as a vegetable or spice; any of the various cultivated forms of this plant, such as bell peppers or chilli peppers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British, Australian, NZ, and Indian English, 'capsicum' is the common term for the large, mild, bell-shaped vegetable (red, green, yellow). In American English, this is almost exclusively called a 'bell pepper' or simply 'pepper'. 'Capsicum' is rarely used in everyday American speech and is confined to botanical/technical contexts.
Connotations
In British-influenced varieties: neutral, culinary/vegetable. In American English: scientific, botanical, or international.
Frequency
High frequency in UK/AU/NZ/IN culinary contexts; very low frequency in US everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “capsicum” in a Sentence
Add [capsicum] to the stir-fry.The dish is flavoured with [capsicum].Grow [capsicums] in a sunny spot.[Capsicums] are rich in Vitamin C.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “capsicum” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in agricultural reports, import/export documentation for produce.
Academic
Used in botanical texts, plant biology, and culinary science papers.
Everyday
Common in cooking instructions, shopping lists, and garden talks in UK/AU/NZ/IN English.
Technical
Standard term in horticulture, taxonomy (Genus: Capsicum), and food science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “capsicum”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “capsicum”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “capsicum”
- Using 'capsicum' in everyday American English (use 'bell pepper').
- Confusing 'capsicum' (the vegetable) with 'capsule' (a pill or container).
- Pronouncing it /kæpˈsaɪkəm/ (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, botanically. In common usage, 'capsicum' typically refers to the bell pepper in British, Australian, and related dialects. 'Bell pepper' is the standard term in American English.
Yes. All chilli peppers are fruits of plants from the genus Capsicum. The term 'capsicum' is often used for milder varieties, but scientifically, hot chillies are also capsicums.
The name derives from the Greek 'kapto', meaning 'to bite', likely in reference to the pungent, biting taste of the hot varieties.
You will be understood, especially in written or formal contexts, but it will sound unusual or technical. In everyday conversation, 'bell pepper', 'red/green pepper', or 'chilli pepper' (for hot varieties) are the natural choices.
A plant of the nightshade family (genus Capsicum), which produces fruits known as peppers, which vary greatly in size, colour, and pungency (heat).
Capsicum is usually botanical, culinary, technical, formal everyday (especially outside north america). in register.
Capsicum: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæpsɪkəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæpsɪkəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'capsicum'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the CAPS of a bell (its shape) and the -ICUM as in 'lycium' (a plant genus suffix). A bell-shaped plant caps-icum.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER OF HEAT/FLAVOUR (for chilli varieties); A COLOURFUL VESSEL (for bell pepper varieties).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'capsicum' the common culinary term for the large, sweet, bell-shaped vegetable?