walnut

noun

wal·​nut ˈwȯl-(ˌ)nət How to pronounce walnut (audio)
1
a
: the furrowed nut of any of a genus (Juglans of the family Juglandaceae, the walnut family) of deciduous trees
especially : the large edible nut of an English walnut
b
: a tree that bears walnuts
c
: the wood of a walnut that is often used for cabinetmaking and veneers
2
: a moderate reddish brown

Examples of walnut in a Sentence

The banana bread has walnuts in it. The recipe calls for a cup of chopped walnuts. a table made of walnut
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.
Inside, walnut wraps the living-room fireplace and continues across cabinetry concealing a bar between the living and dining areas—preserving the clean lines without pretending domestic life has no need for storage, or a drink. — Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 Pair them with a brown table runner or dark walnut serving utensils to tie in the rich trim. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2026 This 6-inch-high ribbon of tile is sandwiched between two solid walnut countertops. — Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026 This easy pasta combines tender broccoli rabe, crispy bacon, and toasted walnuts for a dish that’s surprisingly rich. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for walnut

Word History

Etymology

Middle English walnot, from Old English wealhhnutu, literally, foreign nut, from Wealh Welshman, foreigner + hnutu nut — more at welsh, nut

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of walnut was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing walnut

Rhymes for walnut

See All Rhymes for walnut

Browse Nearby Words

walm
walnut
Walnut
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Cite this Entry

“Walnut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/walnut. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

walnut

noun
wal·​nut ˈwȯl-(ˌ)nət How to pronounce walnut (audio)
1
a
: an edible nut of any of a genus of trees related to the hickories
especially : the large nut of a Eurasian tree
b
: a tree that produces walnuts compare black walnut
c
: the usually reddish to dark brown wood of a walnut that is widely used for cabinetwork and veneers
2
: a medium reddish brown
Etymology

Old English wealhhnutu, literally "foreign nut," from Wealh "Welshman, foreigner" + hnutu "nut" — related to welsh

Word Origin
Long before walnut trees were introduced into England, they were cultivated for their tasty nuts in southern Europe. The nut tree native to the more northern areas of Europe was the hazel. In order to tell apart the native hazelnut and the less familiar walnut, Old English called the walnut wealhhnutu, which means "foreign nut." This word is a compound of wealh, "foreigner" and hnutu "nut." The Old English word wealh has supplied us with another word as well. While wealh meant "foreigner" in a general sense, it was applied specifically by the Anglo-Saxon invaders of Britain to the native people they found living on the island. Wealh gave rise to the modern forms Welsh, Welshman, and Welshwoman.

Geographical Definition

Walnut

geographical name

city east of Los Angeles in southwestern California population 29,172

More from Merriam-Webster on walnut

Nglish: Translation of walnut for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about walnut

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