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
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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 See All Example Sentences for pecan

Word History

Etymology

American French pacane, from Illinois pakani

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pecan was in 1761

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Cite this Entry

“Pecan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pecan. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

pecan

noun
pe·​can pi-ˈkän How to pronounce pecan (audio) -ˈkan How to pronounce pecan (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on pecan

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