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.
And for many, the dish is defined as cheesy, tomatoey, thin-crust pies topped with sausage or pepperoni and cut tavern style. Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 Delightfully salty, porky pepperoni. Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026 The Deli Faves include the new Spicy Pepperoni sandwich, with aged pepperoni, pepper jack, lettuce, Roma tomatoes, red onions, jalapeños and sriracha. Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026 Fan-favorite menu picks include Buffalo chicken pizza and the pepperoni roll, the bar’s website says. Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pepperoni.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pepperoni. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

pepperoni

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

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