pecan

American  

[pi-kahn, -kan, pee-kan] / pɪˈkɑn, -ˈkæn, ˈpi kæn /

noun

1. a tall hickory tree, Carya illinoinensis, of the southern U.S. and Mexico, cultivated for its oval, smooth-shelled, edible nuts: the state tree of Texas.

2. a nut of this tree.

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pecan British  

/ pɪˈkæn, ˈpiːkən /

noun

1. a hickory tree, Carya pecan (or C. illinoensis ), of the southern US, having deeply furrowed bark and edible nuts

2. the smooth oval nut of this tree, which has a sweet oily kernel

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Etymology

Origin of pecan

1765–75, < Mississippi Valley French pacane < Illinois pakani < Proto-Algonquian *paka·n- nut (derivative of *pake·- crack nuts)

Example Sentences

Cake fillings of almond crunch and toasted pecan praline and candied lemon, while jackfruit and palm sugar bring distinct South-East Asian flavours.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Researchers analyzed 52 peer reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2025, including human clinical trials examining the physiological effects of pecan consumption on cardiometabolic and other health related outcomes.

From Science Daily • Feb. 22, 2026

Gone are the sweet potatoes, pecan pie and corn muffins.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 22, 2025

If that doesn't seem enough there's a special cocktail, the Transatlantic Whisky Sour, which blends Johnnie Walker with the bright citrus of marmalade, with pecan foam and a toasted marshmallow on a biscuit.

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2025

I looked at the pecan tree Susie and I had sat beneath earlier.

From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce