pecan

noun

pe·can | \ pi-ˈkän ,

-ˈkan ;

ˈpē-ˌkan

Definition of pecan

1 : a large hickory (Carya illinoinensis synonym C. illinoensis) 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

When ready to eat, top each serving with 1 tablespoon toasted pecans. — Susan Selasky, ajc, "5 recipes to cool things down on hot days," 3 July 2018 When ready to eat, top each serving with 1 tablespoon toasted pecans. — Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, "5 recipes to cool things down on hot days," 27 June 2018 Sprinkle with 1 cup chopped pecans over and bake 20 minutes. — Debbi Snook, cleveland.com, "Aggie's Maple Pecan Bars (recipe)," 7 Mar. 2018 The signature Gold Brick sundae, which is topped with a divine concoction of hardened chopped pecans and chocolate. — Hallie Levine Sklar, Town & Country, "The Complete Guide to Sea Island, Georgia," 28 July 2017 On Tuesday, Starbucks is also adding to its menu Chicken Chorizo & Tortilla Sous Vide Egg Bites and the Kitchen Sink Cookie, made with pecans, pretzels, marshmallows and chocolate chunks. — Zlati Meyer, USA TODAY, "Starbucks's newest permanent-menu addition: Serious Strawberry Frappuccino," 4 June 2018 In a large bowl, combine quinoa, radishes, pecans, raisins, cranberries and mint and chives. — Ashleigh Spitza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "The joys - and time-saving benefits - of a minimalist's approach to entertaining," 12 May 2018 Combine the carrots, celery, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, scallions, eggs, pecans, thyme, garlic, salt, pepper sauce, sesame oil and pepper in a large bowl and stir to thoroughly combine the mixture. — San Antonio Express-News, "Recipe: Veggie Burgers and Warm Potato Salad," 8 May 2018 Add apples, optional pecans, brown sugar mixture and remaining 1 teaspoon butter to pan; cook and stir until tender. — Daniel Neman, charlotteobserver, "Cooking for one doesn’t have to be a problem," 24 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pecan.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.