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

There are many wood chip flavors on the market, but the most popular varieties are apple, cherry, hickory, mesquite and pecan. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025

On top, gooey marshmallows and crisp coconut-pecan streusel steal the show. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025

The clogs are available in cafe, dune and pecan. —Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025

The Caramel Pecan Topped Bon has layers of decadent caramel frosting and crunchy pecans on top of the Classic Roll, while the Caramel Pecan Center of the Roll hides the festive flavor inside. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 10 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