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

Other menu items include omelets, eggs benedict, and dishes such as a Big Bad Hot Brown, pecan pancakes, huevos rancheros with Weisenberger grits, shrimp and grits, and a fried oyster scramble. —Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 20 Dec. 2024

Despite being the largest producer of pecans in the country, Georgia's favorite Christmas dessert is not pecan pie. —Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 19 Dec. 2024

Char is taking holiday catering orders for family-style sides to share and whole pecan pies. —Molly Davis, The Tennessean, 19 Dec. 2024

In Central Texas, look for changing colors on bald cypress trees — which typically grow along our rivers and lakes — red oaks, pecan trees and cedar elms. —Bob Gee, Axios, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

American French pacane, from Illinois pakani

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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