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

While there is some evidence that capsaicin supplements may have a short-term impact on appetite suppression and loss of body fat, there is little research that specifically evaluates cayenne pepper. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2025

Unlike their regular apple cider vinegar, this organic product contains a few extra ingredients: honey, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice concentrate. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025

However, cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which fights inflammation and blocks pain.1 Just mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into warm water and gargle. —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 10 Feb. 2025

Ají amarillo is chili pepper native to South America and has vibrant fruit notes reminiscent of passion fruit or a mango, along with a moderate dash of heat similar to cayenne pepper. —Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025

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

Rhymes for cayenne pepper

• leper
• lepper
• stepper