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

The pecan fried chicken and the Black Sheep Burger, made with lamb and dressed with tzatziki sauce, are both worth trying. —Jill Robbins, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2026

Sam Walton’s favorite ice cream, butter pecan, is always available at the Spark Café, in the quaint town square of Bentonville, Ark. —Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026

If pecans aren't your thing, walnuts are a wonderful substitute. —Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 3 Apr. 2026

Finished with a sprinkle of pecans and pumpkin pie spice, the pancakes deliver all the comfort of a carrot cake in a breakfast-ready form. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 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