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.
Savory sausage and pepperoni, earthy mushrooms, and bits of pepper and onion push this dip into pizza territory. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2026 And what 2026 Best of Beauty winners does the Allure team suggest pairing with your pepperoni pie? — Hunter Lacey, Allure, 16 Oct. 2026 The pepperoni was savory and a little crisp around the edges, while the hot honey added a sweet kick that played nicely against the salty meat and melted cheese. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026 Order the homemade meatballs, polenta with sautéed mushrooms and mascarpone, and a pepperoni-and-hot-honey pizza along with any of the interesting wines or local craft beers on the tidy beverage list. — Christina Pérez, Vogue, 9 Oct. 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

Rhymes for pepperoni

See All Rhymes for pepperoni

Browse Nearby Words

pepper oil
pepperoni
pepper plant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pepperoni.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pepperoni. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pepperoni

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

More from Merriam-Webster on pepperoni

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