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

Its gooey pecan filling sits under cushions of custard and whipped cream. —Pervaiz Shallwani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025

Wegmans Food Markets issued a voluntary recall of six varieties of cheesecake on September 26 because of undeclared pecans. —News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

In a small bowl, combine walnuts, pecans, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, cardamom and oats. —Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Oct. 2025

On the sweeter side, serve with desserts that complement the bourbon's caramel and vanilla notes, like bread pudding, pecan pie, or crème brûlée. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 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