pistachio

noun

pis·​ta·​chio pə-ˈsta-sh(ē-ˌ)ō How to pronounce pistachio (audio) -ˈstä- How to pronounce pistachio (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The new release is assumed to be a nod to the original viral bar that features a milk chocolate shell filled with pistachio cream, tahini and knafeh — a Middle Eastern-style phyllo pastry. Moná Thomas, People.com, 23 May 2025 Darling also recommended eating seven pistachios before bed because that amount contains enough melatonin to help with sleep. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2025 But 16 gelato and sorbet flavors from pistachio to hazelnut to mango to stracciatella. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2025 In March 2022, after Russia invaded Ukraine, the bakery passed out free blue-and-yellow pistachio macarons, representing the colors of the Ukraine flag, to customers. Bryna Zumer, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pistachio

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pistachio was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pistachio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pistachio. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

pistachio

noun
plural pistachios
: a small Asian tree that is related to the sumacs and has a fruit containing a greenish edible seed
also : its seed

More from Merriam-Webster on pistachio

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