cayenne pepper

noun

1
: a pungent condiment consisting of the ground dried fruits or seeds of hot peppers
2
: hot pepper
especially : any of several cultivated peppers of a variety (Capsicum annuum var. longum) with very long twisted pungent red fruits
3
: the fruit of a cayenne pepper

Examples of cayenne pepper in a Sentence

a dash of cayenne pepper
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.
The only difference was the amount of cayenne pepper in the salsa. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026 The Spicy Mangosé builds on Ice Impérial’s fruit-forward character with mango, agave and a finishing touch of cayenne pepper, served with the house’s Signature Ice Pearls. — Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 Capsaicin is what gives cayenne pepper that special kick that it’s known and loved for. — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 17 July 2026 Some home repellents include coffee grounds, cayenne pepper, or clove, mint, or lemongrass essential oils. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cayenne pepper

Word History

Etymology

by folk etymology from earlier cayan, ultimately modification of Tupi kɨʔɨ̃já, kɨʔɨ̃nʸá

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cayenne pepper was in 1756

Rhymes for cayenne pepper

See All Rhymes for cayenne pepper

Browse Nearby Words

Cayenne linaloe oil
cayenne pepper
Cayey
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cayenne pepper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cayenne%20pepper. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cayenne pepper

Nglish: Translation of cayenne pepper for Spanish Speakers

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