macadamia nut

noun

mac·​a·​da·​mia nut ˌma-kə-ˈdā-mē-ə- How to pronounce macadamia nut (audio)
: a hard-shelled nut of an Australian evergreen tree (genus Macadamia, especially M. integrifolia or M. tetraphylla) of the protea family that somewhat resembles the filbert and is cultivated extensively in Hawaii

called also macadamia

Examples of macadamia nut 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.
My massage therapist said that this serum, derived from Hawaiian comfrey and noni plants infused into rich macadamia nut oil, works to awaken fatigued cells, according to the serum-maker. — Ben Davidson, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026 Topped with macadamia nuts and basil and swimming in stracciatella goodness, this dish is a fun, Florida take on the traditional Italian starter. — Connie Ogle july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 Classic cookies come in 11 flavors like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, snicker doodle, white chocolate macadamia nut, fruity pebbles, monster and white chocolate cranberry. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2026 The options included Australian honey, lemons, macadamia nuts, apples, Jerusalem artichokes, celeriac and quince. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for macadamia nut

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin Macadamia, genus name, from John Macadam †1865 Scottish-born Australian chemist + New Latin -ia -ia entry 1

Note: The genus Macadamia was named by the German-born Australian botanist Ferdinand Mueller (1825-96; originally Müller, later von Mueller) in "Account of some New Australian Plants," "Read before the Institute, 5th August, 1857," Transactions of the Philosophical Institute of Victoria, from January to December, 1857, vol. 2 (1858), p. 72. Mueller noted that the naming was "dedicated to John Macadam, Esq., M.D., the talented and deserving Secretary of our Institute."

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of macadamia nut was in 1929

Rhymes for macadamia nut

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Browse Nearby Words

macadam
macadamia nut
macadamization
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Cite this Entry

“Macadamia nut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macadamia%20nut. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

macadamia nut

noun
mac·​a·​da·​mia nut ˌmak-ə-ˈdā-mē-ə- How to pronounce macadamia nut (audio)
: a hard-shelled nut of an Australian evergreen tree widely grown in Hawaii

called also macadamia

Etymology

John Macadam, died 1865, Australian chemist

More from Merriam-Webster on macadamia nut

Nglish: Translation of macadamia nut for Spanish Speakers

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