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

Polyphenols in pecans may support healthy blood vessels. —Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025

The nose features aromas of toasted marshmallow, butterscotch, vanilla frosting, and a subtle note of roasted pecans. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

Remove from heat and stir in coconut, vanilla, and 1 cup of the pecans. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 14 May 2025

The goofier, the better! 12 A Sweet Tradition The couple says their perfect kind of day ends with laughter, good conversation, and their favorite dessert: a warm pecan turtle cookie topped with a scoop of Jeni’s skillet cinnamon roll ice cream. —Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 1 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