pecan

noun

pe·​can pi-ˈkän  -ˈkan  ˈpē-ˌkan 

1

: a large hickory (Carya illinoinensis synonym C. oliviformis) that has roughish bark and hard but brittle wood and is widely grown in the warmer parts of the U.S. and in Mexico for its edible nut

2

: the wood of the pecan tree

The hardwood floor was made of pecan.

3

: the smooth oblong thin-shelled nut of the pecan tree

bought some pecans to make a pie

Examples of pecan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For those in Texas, this comes about every fall with a celebration of pecans. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025

Seasonal flavors for the fall include pumpkin and pecan. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

Plus, fans looking for a punch of protein don’t have to miss out on seasonal sips as limited-time flavors like pumpkin and pecan will be available, too. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025

However, the Moo-Ilennium Crunch flavor contains almond, walnut and pecan. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

American French pacane, from Illinois pakani

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pecan

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

Kids Definition

pecan

noun

pe·​can pi-ˈkän  -ˈkan 

: an oblong edible nut that usually has a thin shell and is the fruit of a tall tree of the central and southern U.S.

also : this tree which is one of the hickories