pecan

noun

pe·​can pi-ˈkän  -ˈkan  ˈpē-ˌkan 

1

: a large hickory (Carya illinoinensis synonym C. illinoensis) 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

Sprinkle powdered sugar and lemon zest on top, and add a handful of crushed almonds, pecans, or walnuts to balance it all out. —Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2024

Golf carts are readily available for exploring the picturesque grounds, which are laced with pecan trees and wildflowers and host a rose garden, a trio of fishing ponds, and Peach Creek. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 22 May 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