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Definition of pecan

pecan

/pɪˈkɑːn/
pe · can
Plural:pecans
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pecan Lexical Profile

pecan Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A smooth, brown, oval nut with a rich, buttery flavor, widely used in culinary dishes, confections, and baked goods.

Example

"She baked a classic pecan pie for the family's Thanksgiving dinner."

2

A large, deciduous hickory tree native to the southern United States and northern Mexico, cultivated for its valuable wood and edible nuts.

Example

"We planted a small pecan in the backyard, hoping it would eventually provide ample summer shade."

• Rhymes for pecan

• Nearby Words

pearly everlasting
peat moss
pebble
pecan
peccary
pechora
peckerhead

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed into English in the late 18th century from French 'pacane', which originated from an Algonquian word (such as the Illinois 'pakani') denoting any hard-shelled nut that requires a stone to crack.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pecan. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pecan
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