pignoli

[ peen-yoh-lee ]

noun

, plural pi·gno·li, pi·gno·lis.

1. pine nut ( def 1 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of pignoli¹

First recorded in 1840–45; from Italian, plural of pignolo “pine nut,” from pigna “pine cone,” variant of pina, from Latin pīnea “pine cone” + -olo diminutive suffix

Example Sentences

Levy calls them cookies, as they are inspired by his favorite Italian pignoli cookies from then-legendary Manhattan bakery Veniero’s, but to me, because they are so subtly sweet and fruit-flavored, they read more like an extra-special “energy bite.”

From Washington Post

That helped inspire her to try her hand at the classic Italian treat — alongside others that she didn’t like as a kid but has reimagined, including taralli, a crisp, savory pastry flavored with olive oil and wine; pignoli cookies; and cassata cake.

From Washington Post

Ever protective, the city’s Chamber of Commerce strictly limits the official recipe to Mediterranean pignoli, Ligurian extra-virgin olive oil, Genoese basil leaves, garlic, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio, Pecorino Fiore Sardo, coarse sea salt and nothing else, ever.

From Wall Street Journal

A bibb salad containing nothing more than lettuce, red onions, sun-dried tomatoes, Gorgonzola, and a scattering of pignoli in a citrus vinaigrette is good enough to become your go-to salad for, well, decades.

From New York Times

“They come for the pignoli, because they know they’re better,” Blanca says, referring to Italian-grown pine nuts.

From Washington Post