Definition

A small container with holes in the top used to sprinkle pepper or other spices on food, or a type of old pistol with multiple barrels.

Example

She reached for the pepperbox to add some spice to her meal.

Conversation

Do you think we should add some spice to this dish?

Definitely! A little pepperbox would make it perfect.

I forgot to bring mine; do you have one?

Yes, I do! Let me grab my pepperbox from the kitchen.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pepperbox is formed from "pepper" (from Old English *pipor*, meaning the spice derived from the pepper plant) and "box" (from Old English *box*, meaning a container). The word refers to a container used for holding and dispensing pepper, typically in a powdered form.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'container' ('box') that holds 'pepper' — that's why a pepperbox is a box for pepper.

Visually Confused Words