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

Nuts Many nuts, including walnuts, pecans, chestnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds, are rich in polyphenols. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 27 Jan. 2026

Thoughtful details are everywhere, like little boxes of orange and pecan or fig and balsamic truffles from the in-house chocolate boutique, Technogym weights for in-room workouts, and Devialet speakers in the living room. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026

Both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson planted pecans at their plantations, with Washington being known to carry them around in his pockets as a snack. —Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026

Often likened to pecans, shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) produces deliciously rich, sweet, and buttery nuts. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 21 Jan. 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