papaya

noun

pa·​pa·​ya pə-ˈpī-ə 

: a tropical American tree (Carica papaya of the family Caricaceae, the papaya family) having an oblong to globose yellow edible fruit with numerous black seeds in a central cavity

also : its fruit

Examples of papaya in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This potent serum combats dark spots and hyperpigmentation using a brightening combination of niacinamide and papaya extract. Find it on AmazonFind it on Walmart Firm Your Neck With Womaness Firming and Tightening Serum Has your neck started showing its age? —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2024

Tasting notes on a few current releases of Robert Mondavi wines: Fumé Blanc Reserve To Kalon 2022 - Classic aromas of gooseberry and melon, with appealing notes of papaya. —Tom Hyland, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

Excellent natural ingredients for chemical exfoliants include pomegranate, pineapple and papaya. —Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2024

This potent serum combats dark spots and hyperpigmentation using a brightening combination of niacinamide and papaya extract. Find it on AmazonFind it on Walmart Pamper Your Lips With This CNP Honey Lip Butter Experience the ultimate lip care with this CNP honey lip butter. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, of American Indian origin; akin to Arawak papáia papaya

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

papaya

noun

pa·​pa·​ya pə-ˈpī-ə 

: an oblong edible yellow fruit with many black seeds that grows on a tropical American tree with large leaves

also : the tree

Medical Definition

papaya

noun

pa·​pa·​ya pə-ˈpī-ə 

: a tropical American tree of the genus Carica (C. papaya) with large oblong yellow edible fruit

also : its fruit which is the source of papain