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

Pies have become Ikeda’s main calling card and the shop offers 20 pie varieties including tripleberry, seasonal pumpkin and pecan, and a cherry cobbler. —Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026

Beautifully balanced with savory, sweet, salty and subtly-spicy flavor, these pecans are a hit by the handful or sprinkled on top of leafy green masterpieces like Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad or Kale and Roasted Beet Salad with Hot Honey Vinaigrette. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2026

Between the fresh fruit enhanced by cinnamon and pecans, and the rich coffee cake-like texture, this recipe will become an instant summertime classic in your household. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 12 June 2026

Neighborhood kids flock there for flavors including brown butter with sugared pecans, and strawberry made with seasonal Harry’s Berries. —Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 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