Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary thesaurus view recents

pistou

noun
Save Word
pis·​tou | \ pēsˈtü \
plural -s

Definition of pistou

: a vegetable soup served with a puree of garlic, herbs, oil, and cheese and often tomatoes

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of pistou

1967, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for pistou

French, crushed basil, pesto, from Provençal, from pista to crush, from Old Provençal pistar, from Late Latin pistare

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about pistou

Time Traveler for pistou

Time Traveler

The first known use of pistou was in 1967

See more words from the same year

Statistics for pistou

Cite this Entry

“Pistou.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pistou. Accessed 22 January 2020.

Comments on pistou

What made you want to look up pistou? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

nurture

Listen to the pronounciation of nurture

to help to grow, develop, or succeed

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Intact Latin Quiz

  • roman tablet
  • What did focus mean in Latin?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Dictionary Devil

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games