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

This Fayette, Alabama, invention first made its debut in 1928 and quickly became a staple on breakfast tables and in beloved Southern desserts like pecan pie. —Staff Author, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2025

This whisky has notes of honey, brown sugar, maple, pecan, and apricot jam on the palate. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2025

Oaks are probably our best types locally, followed by pecans. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2025

Georgia pecan farmers also suffered from the wrath of Helene, losing nearly a third of the state’s annual harvest. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 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