chilipepper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal to neutral in culinary contexts; botanical/scientific in technical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “chilipepper” mean?
A hot, pungent fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum, used as a spice and vegetable.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hot, pungent fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum, used as a spice and vegetable.
Also refers to the plants themselves; can metaphorically describe something spicy, exciting, or potentially dangerous. In slang, can describe a person with a fiery temper.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK spelling preference is 'chilli pepper'; US spelling preference is 'chili pepper'. The UK more commonly uses 'chilli' as a standalone noun for the spice/fruit, while the US often uses 'chili' for the dish (chili con carne) and 'chili pepper' for the fruit.
Connotations
In the US, 'chili' alone strongly connotes the meat-and-bean stew. In the UK, 'chilli' alone is more likely to refer to the spicy fruit or its powder.
Frequency
Both terms are common, but the spelling differs consistently by region. The two-word form 'chili pepper'/'chilli pepper' is used to avoid ambiguity with the dish.
Grammar
How to Use “chilipepper” in a Sentence
Add [chili pepper] to the sauce.The recipe calls for [one chopped chili pepper].Be careful when handling [raw chili peppers].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chilipepper” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The chef will chilli-pepper the marinade for extra kick. (rare, informal)
American English
- She likes to chili-pepper her eggs in the morning. (rare, informal)
adverb
British English
- The sauce was seasoned chilli-pepper hot. (informal)
American English
- She cooked it chili-pepper spicy. (informal)
adjective
British English
- It had a distinct chilli-pepper heat.
American English
- He made a chili-pepper relish for the hot dogs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in food import/export or agribusiness contexts.
Academic
Used in botanical, culinary, or anthropological studies.
Everyday
Very common in cooking, recipes, and general conversation about food.
Technical
Used in horticulture (cultivars like 'Jalapeño', 'Habanero'), food science (Scoville scale ratings).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chilipepper”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chilipepper”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chilipepper”
- Misspelling: 'chilly pepper' (confusing with cold temperature).
- Using 'pepper' alone when meaning specifically the hot variety.
- Confusing 'chili powder' (spice blend) with 'ground chili pepper' (pure dried chili).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most accurately written as two words ('chili pepper' or 'chilli pepper'), though single-word compounds like 'chilipepper' are sometimes seen informally.
Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which makes them spicy/hot. Bell peppers contain no or negligible capsaicin, making them sweet and mild.
The heat is concentrated in the seeds and white membrane (placenta). Removing these reduces spiciness. Dairy products like yoghurt or milk can help neutralize the burning sensation.
Capsaicin, the oily compound that causes the heat, can stick to your skin. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap after handling, or wear gloves. Avoid touching your eyes.
A hot, pungent fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum, used as a spice and vegetable.
Chilipepper is usually informal to neutral in culinary contexts; botanical/scientific in technical contexts. in register.
Chilipepper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪli ˌpɛpə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪli ˌpɛpər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Like a chili pepper in a candy store" (something out of place but potent).”
- “"A chili pepper temper" (a very quick, hot temper).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHILI' makes your mouth feel ILL with heat, and it's a PEPPER that's not sweet.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEAT IS SPICINESS / INTENSITY (e.g., 'a chili pepper of a performance').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the spelling 'chilli' most likely to be preferred?