peppery

adjective

pep·​pery ˈpe-p(ə-)rē How to pronounce peppery (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or having the qualities of pepper : hot, pungent
a peppery taste
2
: having a hot temper : touchy
a peppery boss
3
: fiery, stinging
a peppery satire
pepperiness noun

Examples of peppery in a Sentence

She's a peppery, outspoken woman. the author of several peppery diatribes on religious intolerance
Recent Examples on the Web Try a spicy passion fruit mojito with muddled jalapenos, agave, lime juice, and passion fruit puree served with a peppery Tajín rim, or The Brookline, made with bourbon, mint, basil, and a crown of charred grapefruit. Kara Baskin, BostonGlobe.com, 19 Jan. 2023 While it is often thought of as a boring blending grape to increase volume and lower the tenacity of a wine, on its own, it’s light, juicy, and a bit peppery. Kate Dingwall, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2022 Arugula Carbs: 3 grams Also known as rocket, this leafy green has a peppery flavor. Julie Upton, Health, 24 Jan. 2023 Using riesling grapes grown on the slopes overlooking Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York, this natural-style sparking wine is dry and crisp with flavors of tart green apples and a peppery grassy finish. Alexa Gagosz, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Jan. 2023 Inspired by the coasts of the Mediterranean, this perfume combines citrus notes and peppery musk notes at its top and middle. Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022 For decades, the peppery soda has marketed its blend of 23 flavors as a unique choice for discerning soda drinkers. Danielle Wiener-Bronner, CNN, 28 Dec. 2022 Tender prime Angus brisket is lightly armored with a peppery bark, and the pork spare ribs have a candy glaze. Chuck Blount, San Antonio Express-News, 25 Dec. 2022 Jo Malone melds peppery basil with white thyme and mandarin for a bright burst. Nerisha Penrose, ELLE, 9 Dec. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'peppery.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of peppery was in 1610

Dictionary Entries Near peppery

Cite this Entry

“Peppery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peppery. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

peppery

adjective
pep·​pery ˈpep-(ə-)rē How to pronounce peppery (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or having the qualities of pepper : hot
2
: having a hot temper
3

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