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

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• pistachios
  plural

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

See Examples For:

pistachio pistachios

David Sanchez, a 48-year-old painter and decorator, had just returned home to Cebreros after evacuating at the weekend to find that his small olive and pistachio grove had been consumed by the inferno.

From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026

Before you leave, order a coffee — flavors like rose water, pistachio, and orange blossom tahini offer a refreshing finish to the meal.

From Salon ● Jun. 11, 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

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

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

A onetime California oil boomtown about 60 miles southwest of Fresno, Avenal has spent decades off the beaten track, known more for its pistachios and sprawling state prison than for political upheaval.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

Despite arable land making up just three percent of the territory, it is one of Argentina's main producers of olive oil, grapes, tomatoes and pistachios.

From Barron's ● Jun. 15, 2026

Much of the water released from the dam goes to irrigate crops including almonds, pistachios, oranges, grapes and tomatoes.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2026

The tagline on a bag of salt and pepper pistachios in my cabinet reads, “300-year-old recipe — reborn in California.”

From Salon ● May 6, 2026

Baskets of figs and pistachios and coarse yellow grains are displayed under their awnings.

From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García