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

The sweet stuff is just as good—don’t miss the brontolo, a creamy concoction of pistachio, mascarpone and fresh berries. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

At cocktail hour, guests drifted back to the firepit for sunset cocktails like the green flow (gin, sorrel, mastiha liqueur) and bowls of local pistachios. —Anya Von Bremzen, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026

The Sweet Heat Morty ($12) stacks mortadella with pistachio cream, burrata spread, arugula and hot honey on focaccia. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026

Although we were intrigued by several dessert choices on the menu, our waiter, Sabino, a native of Puglia, encouraged us to try a pistachio gelato prepared à la minute. —Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 28 May 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