pistachio

American  

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

Also pistache

noun

plural

pistachios

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

“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

Overall trade with Iran has generally remained volatile in the decades since, with outright bans on pistachio imports lasting years at a time.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

Year over year, growers are choosing to plant new pistachio trees, likely eating into almond orchards’ domination of California’s central valley, Vasquez told Salon.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

It’s hardly a coincidence that the nut is blowing up just as the U.S. hit its stride in global pistachio dominance.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

I get a double scoop of pistachio, and Hana gets her boring chocolate chip, and Daddy gets cake batter with cookie pieces crumbled in it.

From "A Good Kind of Trouble" by Lisa Moore Ramée