nut
12 synonyms for nut, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A hard-shelled seed or dry fruit, often edible.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use nut
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
nuts and bolts
fitness nut
a tough nut to crack
The "crazy person" and "headbutt" senses are informal; avoid them in formal writing.
Etymology
From Old English hnutu, from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "nut", possibly related to Latin nux.
Full origin of nut →Frequently asked questions
What does “nut” mean?
The word “nut” means a hard-shelled seed or dry fruit, often edible. In plain terms, a hard-shelled edible seed, a threaded metal fastener, or slang for someone eccentric or obsessed with something.
How do you pronounce “nut”?
“Nut” is pronounced nuht (/nʌt/ in IPA).
How do you use “nut” in a sentence?
Here is “nut” used in a sentence: “She sprinkled chopped nuts over the salad.”
What part of speech is “nut”?
Depending on how it is used, “nut” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “nut” come from?
The word “nut” comes from Latin. From Old English hnutu, from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "nut", possibly related to Latin nux.
Is “nut” a common word?
“Nut” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “nut” have?
“Nut” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a hard-shelled seed or dry fruit, often edible.
What is the difference between a nut and a seed?
In everyday language, a nut is any edible kernel in a hard shell. Botanically, a nut is a dry, hard-shelled fruit that does not split open on its own, while a seed is the part of a plant from which a new plant grows, so every true nut contains a seed, but many 'nuts' we eat are technically seeds.
Is a peanut a true nut?
No. Peanuts are legumes, related to peas and beans, and they grow underground in pods. They are called nuts in everyday speech because of their hard shell, taste, and use, not because of their botany.
What is the difference between a nut and a bolt?
A bolt is a threaded metal pin or rod; a nut is the small piece of hardware with a threaded hole that screws onto it. Together they clamp parts firmly, and the pairing is so familiar that 'nuts and bolts' has come to mean the basic practical details of anything.
