pistachio

American  

[pi-stash-ee-oh, -stah-shee-oh] / pɪˈstæʃ iˌoʊ, -ˈstɑ ʃiˌoʊ /

Also pistache

noun

pistachios plural

1. the nut of a Eurasian tree, Pistacia vera, of the cashew family, containing an edible, greenish kernel.

2. the kernel itself, used for flavoring.

3. the tree itself.

4. pistachio nut flavor.

5. pistachio green.

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pistachio British  

/ pɪˈstɑːʃɪˌəʊ /

noun

1. an anacardiaceous tree, Pistacia vera, of the Mediterranean region and W Asia, with small hard-shelled nuts

2. Also called: pistachio nut.  the nut of this tree, having an edible green kernel

3. the sweet flavour of the pistachio nut, used esp in ice creams

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adjective

1. of a yellowish-green colour

Etymology

Origin of pistachio

1375–1425; < Italian pistacchio < Latin pistācium < Greek pistákion pistachio nut, diminutive of pistákē pistachio tree < Middle Persian *pistak ( Persian pista ); replacing late Middle English pistace < Middle French < Latin, as above

Example Sentences

By 1980, a sanction on Iran halted nearly all trade, and over 93% of pistachio consumption in the U.S. that year came from within the country.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

“And here’s the part worth sitting with: pistachio is growing while the cuisine that made it famous is not.”

From Salon • May 6, 2026

The loss of these countries is the United States’ gain, as demand for pistachio continues and California remains the only consistent grower for the foreseeable future.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

Pistachio cold foam now perches atop iced coffees from nationwide chains, Dubai chocolate knock-offs sit at every grocery checkout stand and boutique patisseries fill croissants with pistachio butters and creams.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

I’d know the scent of you, like I know how Papa always smells like hospital soap, smoke, and the pistachio nuts he carries in his pocket.

From "The Night Diary" by Veera Hiranandani