pecan

noun

pe·​can pi-ˈkän  -ˈkan  ˈpē-ˌkan 

1

: a large hickory (Carya illinoinensis synonym C. oliviformis) that has roughish bark and hard but brittle wood and is widely grown in the warmer parts of the U.S. and in Mexico for its edible nut

2

: the wood of the pecan tree

The hardwood floor was made of pecan.

3

: the smooth oblong thin-shelled nut of the pecan tree

bought some pecans to make a pie

Examples of pecan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This bourbon reveals a luxurious nose of dark caramel, toffee, old leather, cigar box, and roasted pecans. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

Apple-Cinnamon Baked French Toast This make-ahead French toast is studded with tender, sweet chunks of apple, scented with cinnamon and showered with a crunchy pecan topping. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025

The house is surrounded by towering, centuries-old magnolia trees, dogwoods, pecan trees, and Southern live oaks, and has a pretty shaded garden. —Amy Bentley, Oc Register, 7 May 2025

Each bite is loaded with cinnamon, sweet icing, and crunchy pecans. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

American French pacane, from Illinois pakani

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pecan

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

Kids Definition

pecan

noun

pe·​can pi-ˈkän  -ˈkan 

: an oblong edible nut that usually has a thin shell and is the fruit of a tall tree of the central and southern U.S.

also : this tree which is one of the hickories