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

For more than 150 years, California’s Fresno County has been a major producer of grapes, almonds, pistachios and tomatoes. —Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026

Certain Nuts and Seeds Among nuts, pistachios are the highest in melatonin, but some other nuts, such as walnuts and almonds, are also a source of the sleep hormone. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 20 Feb. 2026

Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, spinach, white beans, and basil pesto are the base of this zesty orzo salad while salted pistachios add the perfect crunch. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026

Almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts, pistachios, and many other nut varieties are easy additions to your everyday diet. —Carrie Madormo, Health, 19 Feb. 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