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

But no dish is more specific trace day than the Derby pie, a trademark name of the Kerns Bakery in town, for a very thick, rich chocolate-chip pecan pie. —John Mariani, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Nuts While pecans and peanuts are grown in the United States, nuts like cashews, pine nuts, macadamias, and Brazil nuts are mostly imported. —Erica Gerald Mason, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025

Nuts and seeds Nuts — such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans and cashews — have between about 3 and 6 grams of protein per 1-ounce serving. —The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025

Add flour mixture, 1 cup pecans, and pineapple to butter mixture; stir with a sturdy spatula until well blended. —Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 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