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

Don’t forget to toast the pecans for extra flavor and texture. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2026

His Protein-Packed Overnight Oats reach 30 grams with whey protein, rolled oats, milk, chia, full-fat yogurt, maple syrup, pecans and apples. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026

And in 2025, when Mexico raised duties on Chinese autos and steel, China put tariffs on Mexican pecans. — Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026

Quinn recommends a mid-tone brown, such as a walnut or pecan. — Jason Rueger, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

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