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

Loudmouth Loudmouth is offering a special Valentine’s Day dinner featuring a duroc pork chop for two, seasoned with pecan agrodolce, herbs, and fennel pollen. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

The juicy grapes and nutty pecans provide a nice balance to the just-sweet dressing. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 28 June 2025

To help ensure your pecans last as long as possible, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry place. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 7 June 2025

The biodiverse backyard features a saltwater pool, native plants, and a towering pecan tree. —Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 22 May 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