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
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.
Pecan pie’s popularity lies in the abundance of, well, pecans, which are native to the South. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Remove pan from heat and return brussels sprouts and chicken to pan; top with 1 cup salted roasted pecans, coarsely chopped. — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026 Its chicken salad scoop options include Olivia’s Old South (sweet pickles and egg), Jalapeño Holly, Nutty Nanna (with pecans and cashews) and Barbie Q. — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026 Wellsley Farms Maple Pecan Danish A delightfully sweet breakfast treat or a post-dinner dessert, these maple pecan danishes are flaky pastries twirled with maple and pecans. — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pecan

Word History

Etymology

American French pacane, from Illinois pakani

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pecan was in 1761

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pecan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pecan. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

: 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

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