peppery

adjective

pep·​pery ˈpe-p(ə-)rē 

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

ˈpe-p(ə-)rē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• fiery
• gingery
• high-spirited
• mettlesome
• spirited
• spunky

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

Try a spicy passion fruit mojito with muddled jalapenos, agave, lime juice, and passion fruit puree served with a peppery Tajín rim, or The Brookline, made with bourbon, mint, basil, and a crown of charred grapefruit. —Kara Baskin, BostonGlobe.com, 19 Jan. 2023

While it is often thought of as a boring blending grape to increase volume and lower the tenacity of a wine, on its own, it’s light, juicy, and a bit peppery. —Kate Dingwall, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2022

Arugula Carbs: 3 grams Also known as rocket, this leafy green has a peppery flavor. —Julie Upton, Health, 24 Jan. 2023

Using riesling grapes grown on the slopes overlooking Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York, this natural-style sparking wine is dry and crisp with flavors of tart green apples and a peppery grassy finish. —Alexa Gagosz, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Jan. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

peppery

adjective

pep·​pery ˈpep-(ə-)rē 

1

: of, relating to, or having the qualities of pepper : hot

2

: having a hot temper

3

: fiery sense 3a