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.
Candied Bacon Morgans's Brooklyn Barbecue At Morgans's Brooklyn Barbecue in Brooklyn, New York, slices of Hatfield bacon seasoned with cayenne pepper, brown sugar and paprika. — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Our wings recipe includes blue cheese, garlic powder, vinegar, and spicy cayenne pepper sauce for kick. — Jasmine Thompson, Midwest Living, 20 Aug. 2026 Labneh with lemon and garlic is a tangy counterbalance, and a final sprinkling of mint and cayenne pepper adds just a little kick. — Warren Rojas, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026 Soy sauce keeps it savory, while plenty of hot sauce and cayenne pepper bring the heat. — Craig Ruff, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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