cashew

noun

cash·​ew ˈka-(ˌ)shü 

kə-ˈshü

: a tropical American tree (Anacardium occidentale of the family Anacardiaceae, the cashew family) grown for a phenolic oil and the edible kernel of its nut and for a gum from its stem

also : cashew nut

Examples of cashew in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Another study, published in the journal Clinical Nutrition in 2023, found that older adults who ate two handfuls of mixed nuts a day (including walnuts, pistachios, cashews and hazelnuts) over a 16 week period showed significant improvements in memory and blood flow to the brain. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

There are snacks galore, from chile crackers to Japanese-style peanuts to ranch cashews to gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. —Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 23 Aug. 2024

Customize your candy by swapping in the same amount of cashews, almonds, or pepitas Pour onto Pan Remove from heat; remove thermometer. —Shelli McConnell, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2024

That said, cashews can definitely be called a health food. —Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese cajú, acajú, from Tupi akajú

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cashew

• cashew nut

Kids Definition

cashew

noun

ca·​shew

ˈkash-ü,

kə-ˈshü

: an edible nut that is shaped like a kidney and comes from a tropical American tree that is related to the sumacs

also : the tree that produces cashews