pistachio

noun

pis·​ta·​chio pə-ˈsta-sh(ē-ˌ)ō How to pronounce pistachio (audio) -ˈstä- How to pronounce pistachio (audio)
plural pistachios
: a small Asian tree (Pistacia vera) of the cashew family whose drupaceous fruit contains a greenish edible seed
also : its seed

Examples of pistachio in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Instead of the traditional avocado, Pittol makes the pistachio-green Venezuelan condiment with labneh, aji amarillo paste and plenty of fresh herbs. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 For example, a 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis found that pistachios beat out other nuts for lowering both systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number) blood pressure. — Sarah Garone, HEALTH, 15 Oct. 2026 Try Chauhan's recipes for pistachio ladoo and samosas in your own kitchen! — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026 The Double Duke room is wrapped in fretwork wallpaper and deep cinnabar, with pistachio window shades and a striped sectional. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pistachio

Word History

Etymology

Italian pistacchio, from Latin pistacium pistachio nut, from Greek pistakion, from pistakē pistachio tree, of Iranian origin; akin to Persian pistah pistachio tree

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pistachio was in 1598

Rhymes for pistachio

See All Rhymes for pistachio

Browse Nearby Words

pistache
pistachio
pistachio nut
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pistachio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pistachio. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pistachio

noun
pis·​ta·​chio pə-ˈstash-(ē-ˌ)ō How to pronounce pistachio (audio) -ˈstäsh- How to pronounce pistachio (audio)
plural pistachios
: a small Asian tree that is related to the sumacs and has a fruit containing a greenish edible seed
also : its seed

More from Merriam-Webster on pistachio

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pistachio

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