pepperoni

noun

pep·​per·​o·​ni ˌpe-pə-ˈrō-nē How to pronounce pepperoni (audio)
Synonyms of pepperoninext
: a highly seasoned beef and pork sausage

Examples of pepperoni in a Sentence

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 surprising combination of pasta, pepperoni slices, olives, and bell peppers dressed in a zingy Italian vinaigrette. Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 2 July 2026 With just four extra ingredients, Caesar salad mix becomes a hearty pasta and pepperoni salad the whole family will love. Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2026 Starting along short side of rectangle, lay 4 pieces of pepperoni side by side, half-inch apart, and roll into tight cylinder, pinching seam to seal. ABC News, 29 June 2026 The smash burger—California-style, of course—is a popular pick, as is the pepperoni pizza. Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pepperoni

Word History

Etymology

Italian peperoni cayenne peppers, plural of peperone, augmentative of pepe pepper, from Latin piper — more at pepper

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pepperoni was in 1888

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pepperoni.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pepperoni. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

pepperoni

noun
pep·​per·​o·​ni ˌpep-ə-ˈrō-nē How to pronounce pepperoni (audio)
: a highly seasoned beef and pork sausage

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