pecan

noun

pe·​can pi-ˈkän  -ˈkan  ˈpē-ˌkan 

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

Stir the bacon and pecans into the salad just before serving. —Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2024

The gin has a clean but noticeable mouthfeel, which Shaw credited to pecans, a nice Texas touch. —Ryan J. Rusak, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2024

These sunny, sweet-tart treats have a little twist: a rich pecan short crust. —Lisa Donovan, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2024

Flavors are: peach, honey apple, cherry, blackberry, strawberry, cinnamon praline, mango peach, strawberry peach, caramel apple, blackberry peach, apple walnut raisin and sweet potato pecan, according to the company website. —Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2024

Janet Day, then Janet Hermes, balanced plates of ribs and pecan pie. —Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2024

And while the bun (the classic version, plus varieties like blueberry licorice and caramel maple pecan) is a star, all of Brauð’s baked goods are alone worthy of a trip to Iceland. —Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 14 Mar. 2024

Lastly, always take the time the toast your pecans! —Pam Lolley, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2024

Most king cakes are baked with a cream cheese filling but other fillings such as pecan pralines, cinnamon, fruit and chocolate are also popular. —Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

American French pacane, from Illinois pakani

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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