pistachio

noun

pis·​ta·​chio pə-ˈsta-sh(ē-ˌ)ō  -ˈstä- 

plural pistachios

: a small Asian tree (Pistacia vera) of the cashew family whose drupaceous fruit contains a greenish edible seed

also : its seed

Examples of pistachio in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Available March 2 through March 15, the indulgent Bundtlet begins with Nothing Bundt Cakes’ Chocolate Chocolate Chip cake and is filled with pistachio cream and shredded phyllo. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026

For Valentine’s Day, the shop is reintroducing some old favorites like chocolate bars made from pistachios and rose or dark chocolate and raspberry. —John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2026

Top meatballs and pilaf with mint leaves (if using) and more pistachios, raisins, and feta. —Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

Here, its menu leans unabashedly indulgent—think Colchester Pyefleet Oysters, line‑caught yellowfin tuna tartare, or the signature pork and pistachio pie served tableside. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian pistacchio, from Latin pistacium pistachio nut, from Greek pistakion, from pistakē pistachio tree, of Iranian origin; akin to Persian pistah pistachio tree

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pistachio

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

Kids Definition

pistachio

noun

pis·​ta·​chio pə-ˈstash-(ē-ˌ)ō  -ˈstäsh- 

plural pistachios

: a small Asian tree that is related to the sumacs and has a fruit containing a greenish edible seed

also : its seed