plural pistachios
: a small Asian tree (Pistacia vera) of the cashew family whose drupaceous fruit contains a greenish edible seed
also : its seed

Examples of pistachio in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Several speakers noted that while fish species are declining dramatically, about 80% of the water that’s diverted and pumped in California is used for agriculture, and vast quantities of almonds and pistachios are being shipped overseas. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 In a medium bowl, whisk together the pistachios, flour, and salt. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026 For the primary bathroom of Elsesser’s Brooklyn town house, Rockwell and colleague Hester Hodde layered burgundy Rosso Francia marble, walnut-and-mirror paneling, and pistachio-green walls. — Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 26 Oct. 2026 How pistachios may support sleep Pistachios bring together several nutrients that researchers connect to sleep physiology. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pistachio

Word History

Etymology

Italian pistacchio, from Latin pistacium pistachio nut, from Greek pistakion, from pistakē pistachio tree, of Iranian origin; akin to Persian pistah pistachio tree

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pistachio was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pistachio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pistachio. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

Kids Definition

plural pistachios
: a small Asian tree that is related to the sumacs and has a fruit containing a greenish edible seed
also : its seed

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