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

Transplant papaya seedlings to the landscape, keep moist and feed monthly Foliage and indoor plants 71. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025

Cheaper entrees include papaya salad ($7), kapiek or chicken noodle soup ($10.50), pho or beef noodle soup ($11.95) and pad see ew ($11.95). —Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 14 Mar. 2025

In addition to gentle lactic acid, these pads resurface skin with papaya enzyme, which gently removes dead cells without stripping the moisture barrier. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2025

Papain, derived from papaya, smoothens and softens skin surface. —Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for papaya

• messiah
• nyaya
• pariah
• rupiah
• shariah
• vinaya
• gaia
• maia
• maya
• playa
• via
• jeremiah

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