A1 noun Neutral #1,478 most common

pepper

/ˈpep.ə(r)/

A common spice made from dried berries that adds a sharp, spicy flavor to food, or a hollow green, red, or yellow vegetable. It is one of the most widely used seasonings in the world alongside salt.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I usually add a little black pepper to my pasta for extra flavor.

I usually add a little black pepper to my pasta for extra flavor.

2

The recipe requires two finely chopped red peppers and a teaspoon of ground spice.

The recipe requires two finely chopped red peppers and a teaspoon of ground spice.

3

Pass the pepper, this soup is a bit bland.

Pass the pepper, this soup is a bit bland.

Word Family

Noun
pepper
Verb
pepper
Adjective
peppery
Related
peppercorn
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Memory Tip

Think of a 'peppy' person who has a lot of energy because they ate a spicy red pepper.

Quick Quiz

This salad needs a little more ___ and salt.

Correct!

The correct answer is: pepper

Examples

1

I usually add a little black pepper to my pasta for extra flavor.

everyday

I usually add a little black pepper to my pasta for extra flavor.

2

The recipe requires two finely chopped red peppers and a teaspoon of ground spice.

formal

The recipe requires two finely chopped red peppers and a teaspoon of ground spice.

3

Pass the pepper, this soup is a bit bland.

informal

Pass the pepper, this soup is a bit bland.

4

The study analyzes the chemical properties of piperine found in black pepper.

academic

The study analyzes the chemical properties of piperine found in black pepper.

5

Our wholesale division specializes in the bulk distribution of organic pepper varieties.

business

Our wholesale division specializes in the bulk distribution of organic pepper varieties.

Word Family

Noun
pepper
Verb
pepper
Adjective
peppery
Related
peppercorn

Common Collocations

black pepper black pepper
salt and pepper salt and pepper
bell pepper bell pepper
ground pepper ground pepper
chili pepper chili pepper

Common Phrases

salt and pepper hair

hair that is a mix of black and grey

peppered with

covered or filled with something in many places

cracked pepper

coarsely broken peppercorns

Often Confused With

pepper vs paper

Paper is the material you write on; pepper is a spice or vegetable. They sound similar but have different vowel sounds.

pepper vs piper

A piper is a person who plays a pipe instrument, whereas pepper is food.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'pepper' as an uncountable noun when talking about the spice powder (e.g., 'put some pepper on'). Use it as a countable noun when referring to the whole vegetable (e.g., 'buy three peppers').

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often pronounce 'pepper' like 'paper'. Remember that 'pepper' has a short 'e' sound like 'pen'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'peppy' person who has a lot of energy because they ate a spicy red pepper.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from Old English 'pipor', coming from Latin 'piper' and Greek 'peperi'.

Grammar Patterns

Uncountable for spice: 'Add pepper.' Countable for vegetable: 'One pepper, two peppers.' Usually takes 'some' or 'a little' as a spice.
🌍

Cultural Context

In most Western dining cultures, a salt shaker and a pepper shaker are placed together on almost every dining table.

Quick Quiz

This salad needs a little more ___ and salt.

Correct!

The correct answer is: pepper

More Food words

meal

A1

A meal is an occasion when food is eaten, or the specific food that is prepared and eaten at a certain time of day. It usually refers to the main eating events such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

juice

A1

Juice is the liquid that comes from fruits and vegetables when they are squeezed or crushed. It is a common beverage enjoyed cold and is often consumed during breakfast.

coffee

A1

Coffee is a popular dark-colored drink made from roasted and ground seeds called beans. It is usually served hot or cold and contains caffeine, which helps people feel more awake and energetic.

cheese

A1

A solid food made from the pressed curds of milk, often flavored and aged. It is a common dairy product used in sandwiches, pizzas, and many cooked dishes around the world.

beef

A1

Beef is the culinary name for meat from cattle, particularly cows. It is a popular source of protein consumed in many different forms, such as steaks, roasts, or ground meat.

orange

A1

A round citrus fruit with a bright reddish-yellow skin and juicy segments inside. It is well-known for being a rich source of Vitamin C and is commonly eaten fresh or squeezed into juice.

watermelon

A1

A watermelon is a very large, round or oval fruit with a hard green skin and a sweet, watery red or pink interior. It is commonly eaten cold during the summer months and is known for its high water content and black seeds.

lemon

A1

A lemon is a yellow citrus fruit that has a very sour taste. It is commonly used in cooking, baking, and drinks to add a fresh or acidic flavor.

peach

A1

A peach is a round, sweet fruit with soft, fuzzy skin and a large hard seed in the middle. It is usually orange or yellow and is commonly eaten fresh or used in desserts during the summer.

pineapple

A1

A large, tropical fruit with a tough, scaly skin and a tuft of green leaves on top. It has sweet, juicy yellow flesh inside and is eaten fresh, canned, or as juice.

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