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

Another, a farmer in California who got rich growing pistachios in the San Joaquin Valley, is the namesake for the college of agriculture at his alma mater after donating his farm to California State Polytechnic University in Pomona. —Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025

The pistachio note becomes more prominent in the dry down, adding a creamy nuttiness that pairs gorgeously with the sandalwood base. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 7 Aug. 2025

Our recipe tasters loved the retro flavor combination of pistachio, coconut, and cream. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2025

The same weight of pistachios or 49 of them has about three grams. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025

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