# paprika

/pæˈpɹikə/ (US) · /pˈæpɹɪkɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/paprika
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a bright red powder made from dried peppers. You use it to add a sweet or spicy flavor to food like stews and soups.

For teachers: a ground powder made from the dried pods of the Capsicum annuum plant, used as a spice and food coloring. Often used to describe the mild variety of the spice.

## Examples

- Add a pinch of paprika to the soup for color.
- The chef sprinkled paprika over the roasted vegetables to give them a slightly smoky flavor.
- While the mild variety of paprika is used for its vibrant color, the hotter varieties are often reserved for specific regional dishes where a sharp heat is desired.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.