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

Its rich, fearlessly salty presence adds pop to dishes like pad thai, lime chili shrimp and papaya salad. —Rai Mincey, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

Higher-sugar fruits: Bananas, mangoes, pineapple, papaya, apples, pears, and grapes have higher sugar content compared to other types of fruits. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2025

This intensely hydrating treatment gently exfoliates with papaya enzymes while simultaneously soothing with hyaluronic acid and prickly pear oil. —Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 5 Dec. 2024

The white willow bark and papaya extract gently slough off dead cells to reveal glowy, hydrated skin underneath, while shea butter reinforces the skin’s natural barrier and squalane delivers immediate and long-lasting moisture. —Kelsey Eisen, Allure, 28 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