The title compound, C21H18N2O2, has been synthesized by the reaction of 2-(4-methoxyphenylmethylidene)-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one and malononitrile in refluxing ethyl alcohol catalyzed by KF–Al2O3. The pyran ring adopts a half-chair conformation, while the fused, partially saturated six-membered ring is in a distorted boat form.