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

Our choice today is butter pecan — spiked with bourbon honey. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026

One of Mokas’ current seasonal drinks is its fall bliss latte, which has caramel, butter pecan and pumpkin flavors. — Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026

Possessing a Midwestern accent, Calvin Klein dresses, Black American skin and hair care products, and a butter-pecan skin tone, Ericka quickly wins over the crew Paulina has ruled for years. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026

The brand’s Classic Pecan Pie Ice Cream combines rich brown sugar ice cream with roasted pecans and, of course, pieces of flaky pie crust swirled with a pecan pie filling. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 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