peppery

adjective

pep·​pery ˈpe-p(ə-)rē How to pronounce peppery (audio)
Synonyms of pepperynext
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
ˈpe-p(ə-)rē-nəs How to pronounce peppery (audio)
noun

Synonyms

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Get the recipe > Sweet corn is lightly sizzled in ghee and tossed with juicy tomatoes, peppery dandelion greens, and smoky blue cheese for a salad that’s equal parts sweet, bitter, and tangy. — Saveur Editors, Saveur, 4 Sep. 2025 In 1938, in the hill town of Sant’Elia a Pianisi, Giovanni Colavita and his brother-in-law Felice began pressing olives from their groves into an oil that quickly became known for its peppery bite. — Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 The Zaxby’s signature sauce is a creamy, peppery sauce. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2025 The taste of its leaves combines the flavors of mint, marjoram, and thyme with a peppery twist. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peppery

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of peppery was in 1610

Browse Nearby Words

pepperwort
peppery
pep pill
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Peppery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peppery. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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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
: fiery sense 3a

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