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.
Green, in soft shades from sage to pistachio, is a new neutral that adds nice brightness to a spring wardrobe. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 23 June 2026 This savory cake, topped with brown butter-pistachio frosting, is packed with zucchini. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 June 2026 The nuttiness of pistachios will echo that flavor in the avocado, and the salty, chewy addition will make each bite even more satisfying. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026 How to Enjoy Them Richter enjoys lightly blanching green beans and tossing them with olive oil, lemon, fresh herbs, and pistachios or almonds. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 22 June 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

Rhymes for pistachio

See All Rhymes for pistachio

Browse Nearby Words

pistache
pistachio
pistachio nut
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pistachio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pistachio. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pistachio

noun
pis·​ta·​chio pə-ˈstash-(ē-ˌ)ō How to pronounce pistachio (audio) -ˈstäsh- How to pronounce pistachio (audio)
plural pistachios
: a small Asian tree that is related to the sumacs and has a fruit containing a greenish edible seed
also : its seed

More from Merriam-Webster on pistachio

Nglish: Translation of pistachio for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pistachio

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