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

The restaurant's cafe serves a daytime menu of coffee, sandwiches and pastries and a lunch menu that includes small bites like papaya salad, poke, sandwiches and burgers. —Zachery Eanes, Axios, 17 Dec. 2024

This nighttime serum puts in the midnight hours to tackle texture and minimize visibly large pores with a fruity combination of pineapple, papaya, and pumpkin enzymes, along with glycolic, malic, and lactic acids. —Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 27 Nov. 2024

Research is underway on ways the substances found in papaya may be used along with traditional medicine for conditions like anemia and high cholesterol. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 21 Nov. 2024

Fresh papaya, a gentle ocean breeze and the majestic cresting of humpback whales. —Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 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