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

Hur said the butter pistachio doughnut was inspired by a pistachio flavor trend in South Korea. —Sarah Mosqueda, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2024

Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, carefully slice the radishes paper-thin, then add them to the bowl, along with the pistachios and cheese. —Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2024

Finished with a buttery ganache on top, this decadent treat feature a creamy layer of pistachio flavor in its middle. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2024

The curved bag comes in smooth spring-ready pistachio leather with a handle and a detachable crossbody strap, so it can be carried three ways. —Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 24 Mar. 2024

Happily, jars of high-quality pistachio paste are available online. —Melissa Clark, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2024

By putting the adults to work, service will be completed so quickly that everyone should have something before complaints start coming back that Oliver is lactose-intolerant, Grandpa didn't want cake, and Isabella wanted peach ice cream, not pistachio. —Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024

By putting the adults to work, service will be completed so quickly that everyone should have something before complaints start coming back that Oliver is lactose-intolerant, Grandpa didn’t want cake, and Isabella wanted peach ice cream, not pistachio. —Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2024

Tomatoes, pistachio, cucumber, feta, and basil pesto add up to a sunny dish fit for any summer occasion. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024

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

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