noun
pecan
pih-KAHN
Pecan (noun) means a tree native to the southern United States (Carya illinoinensis) that produces smooth, thin-shelled edible nuts. Example: “The old pecan tree in the yard drops nuts every autumn.”
noun
1
A tree native to the southern United States (Carya illinoinensis) that produces smooth, thin-shelled edible nuts.
"Within its ornamental fence, the 8/10-acre property includes several of the largest live oaks in the area — plus huge pecans and stately magnolias."
— Texas Monthly (1978)
"The old pecan tree in the yard drops nuts every autumn."
2
The oval, edible nut of this tree, often used in pies and baking.
"Pecan pie is a Southern classic at Thanksgiving."
How to use pecan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe buttery, oval nut used in pies and baking, or the tree it grows on.
UK vs US
Pronunciation varies widely — some say "PEE-can", others "puh-KAHN" — with no single "correct" version even within the US.
Common pairings
pecan pie
candied pecans
pecan tree
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Word forms
- Plural
- pecans
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old _____ tree in the yard drops nuts every autumn.
Etymology
Borrowed from French pacane, itself from an Algonquian word for a hard-shelled nut.
Synonyms
View more →
pecan tree
Frequently asked questions
What does “pecan” mean?
The word “pecan” means a tree native to the southern United States (Carya illinoinensis) that produces smooth, thin-shelled edible nuts. In plain terms, the buttery, oval nut used in pies and baking, or the tree it grows on.
How do you pronounce “pecan”?
“Pecan” is pronounced pih-KAHN (/piːˈkæn/ in IPA).
How do you use “pecan” in a sentence?
Here is “pecan” used in a sentence: “The old pecan tree in the yard drops nuts every autumn.”
What part of speech is “pecan”?
“Pecan” is a noun.
Where does the word “pecan” come from?
The word “pecan” comes from French. Borrowed from French pacane, itself from an Algonquian word for a hard-shelled nut.
How many meanings does “pecan” have?
“Pecan” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tree native to the southern United States (Carya illinoinensis) that produces smooth, thin-shelled edible nuts.
