Scotch bonnet

American  

noun

1. a small, irregularly shaped, extremely hot chile pepper, the fruit of a variety of Capsicum chinense related to the habanero and ranging from yellow to red.

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Etymology

Origin of Scotch bonnet

First recorded in 1840–45; so called from its shape

Example Sentences

Depending on your mood, you might continue with Royal Red shrimp served raw with dots of fermented Scotch bonnet pepper and a dusting of spiced red hibiscus flower.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

On one visit, the Ghanaian snack kosua ne meko — soft-boiled eggs topped with a Scotch bonnet pepper relish — was fairly incendiary, with a warning scent wafting through the air.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 14, 2024

If you’d like to temper the heat in this dish, use less of the Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper.

From Salon • Oct. 29, 2023

Make the chalé sauce: In a blender, combine the tomatoes, roasted pepper, onion, Scotch bonnet chile, tomato paste, garlic, if using, ginger, curry powder, red pepper flakes, salt and chili powder.

From Washington Post • Sep. 2, 2021

I am a sharp dagger and Scotch bonnet peppers in rum—Ezili-Danto’s favorite things.

From "American Street" by Ibi Zoboi