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
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.
Now, peppery and earthy notes, with whispers of charred oak, are detectable. Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025 Slices of lusciously marbled brisket have a sharp, peppery bark, and the pork ribs are tinged pink with smoke straight down to the bone. Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025 Eternity mines its compelling conceit for both peppery comedy and bleary sentiment. Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025 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 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

Cite this Entry

“Peppery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peppery. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on peppery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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