Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mild powdered seasoning made from dried pimientos: A spice made by grinding dried, sweet red peppers (Capsicum annuum), known for its vibrant red color and mild, slightly sweet flavor.
   • A plant bearing large mild thick-walled usually bell-shaped fruits; the principal salad peppers: The type of pepper plant from which the spice is derived, specifically cultivars that produce sweet, non-spicy fruits.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Spice):
  • Add a teaspoon of paprika to the stew for color and flavor.
  • Hungarian paprika is famous for its quality and variety.
• Noun (Plant/Pepper):
  • The garden is full of ripe paprika peppers ready for harvest.
  • These large, red paprikas are perfect for stuffing.

Advanced Usage

• "Smoked paprika": A specific type of paprika where the peppers are dried over smoke, imparting a distinct smoky flavor.
  • The recipe calls for smoked paprika to give the dish a deeper, more complex taste.
• As a color descriptor: Used informally to describe a bright red-orange color similar to the spice.
  • She painted the wall a warm paprika red.

Variants and Related Words

• Paprikash (n): A Hungarian stew seasoned generously with paprika, often made with chicken or veal.
  • Chicken paprikash is a classic Hungarian dish.
• Paprikás (adj): The Hungarian term meaning "prepared with paprika".
  • We ordered the paprikás csirke (paprika chicken).

Synonyms

• Red pepper powder: A general term for powdered red peppers, though it can sometimes refer to spicier varieties.
• Bell pepper powder: Specifically indicates the powder is made from sweet bell peppers.

Related Phrases

• "A dash of paprika": A small amount of the spice used primarily for garnish or a hint of flavor and color.
  • Finish the deviled eggs with a dash of paprika.

Related Idioms

(No common idioms are directly formed from the word "paprika".)

Noun

1. a mild powdered seasoning made from dried pimientos
2. plant bearing large mild thick-walled usually bell-shaped fruits; the principal salad peppers