pimiento

American  

[pi-myen-toh, -men-] / pɪˈmyɛn toʊ, -ˈmɛn- /

noun

plural

pimientos

1. the ripe, red, mild-flavored fruit of the sweet or bell pepper, Capsicum annuum, used as a vegetable, relish, to stuff olives, etc.

2. the plant itself.

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pimiento British  

/ pɪˈmjɛntəʊ, -ˈmɛn- /

noun

1. Also called: pimento.  a Spanish pepper, Capsicum annuum, with a red fruit used raw in salads, cooked as a vegetable, and as a stuffing for green olives

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Etymology

Origin of pimiento

First recorded in 1835–45; see origin at pimento

Explanation

A pimiento is a type of sweet red pepper that's often found stuffed inside green olives or used to add a mild, tangy flavor to various dishes. The word pimiento comes from the Spanish word for "pepper" and refers to a specific variety of mild, sweet red pepper. Unlike spicier peppers, the pimiento is known for its gentle sweetness and is often used in a variety of culinary dishes. Because it has a pretty tough skin, it's usually cooked before it's used. Chopped up, it's a key ingredient in pimiento cheese, a popular spread in the Southern United States. Small pieces of pimiento are sometimes used to stuff snacking olives, and this pepper is also dried and ground up to make a popular spice called paprika.

Example Sentences

When perfectly smooth pimiento cheese spread became available in jars at our local grocery, I persuaded Mom to buy a jar so we could try what I imagined was “The Real Stuff.”

From Seattle Times • Jun. 11, 2022

At that point, Cafe 212 went grocery-store style, offering only pre-made items like chicken salad and pimiento cheese.

From Washington Times • Apr. 5, 2020

He suggested the addition of diced ham, or minced clams, shucked oysters or a handful of slivered pimiento.

From New York Times • Nov. 22, 2017

A pimiento cheeseburger with a shot of the Joint's signature horseradish Mojo sauce.

From Southern Living • May 21, 2012

Then the two of us had pimiento cheese sandwiches and sweet tea for lunch.

From "Wish" by Barbara O'Connor