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 For homemade, combine ¾ cup sugar, ¾ cup water, ½ cup shelled and toasted pistachios and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. — Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 8 July 2026 Drizzle the balsamic glaze on top of the salad and garnish with torn pieces of basil sprigs, pistachios and Maldon sea salt. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 Bright and happy, Kandalec says pistachio green is the perfect summer nail color to get you in the right mood for all your warm-weather adventures. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 2 July 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 10 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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