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

Beyond cantaloupe, there’s a number of fruits that tout similar health benefits — grapefruit, pomegranate and papaya are also considered to be high-potassium, high-fiber, and antioxidant-rich foods, according to studies. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 11 June 2024

The couple already had a son of their own living at their ranch-style house in a working class part of La Puente, with a papaya tree out front and a rubber tree in the back. —Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 15 May 2024

Then there are normal dishes for plebeians not concerned with social-media fame, like chicken wings with spicy pineapple sauce, fiery papaya salad with long beans and an excellent green curry with eggplant as shiny-purple as an exotic beetle. —Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 10 June 2024

Among the chief active ingredients are papaya enzymes, which clear away dead skin cells, letting the hyaluronic acid do its work. —Clint Davis, Peoplemag, 7 June 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