pistachio

noun

pis·​ta·​chio pə-ˈsta-sh(ē-ˌ)ō How to pronounce pistachio (audio) -ˈstä- How to pronounce pistachio (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kerman province is known for pistachios, too. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026 The value of the top 13 state agricultural products exported to China — including almonds, pistachios and dairy — fell in aggregate by 64%, or $1 billion, in 2025, according to a recent UC Davis estimate. Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026 The scent also comes in pistachio, strawberry, rosewater, blueberry and passionfruit. Samantha Husted, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026 New to this location will be a dessert program with a Mediterranean-style ice cream in pistachio, walnut and chocolate flavors with layers of baklava. Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pistachio

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pistachio was in 1598

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Cite this Entry

“Pistachio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pistachio. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

pistachio

noun
plural pistachios
: a small Asian tree that is related to the sumacs and has a fruit containing a greenish edible seed
also : its seed

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