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 Sol Beso Facial, which is ideal for after sun care, uses fresh cucumbers to cleanse the face, papaya and rice to exfoliate, as well as aloe vera to soothe and hydrate. —Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

However, what many papaya lovers may not realize is that these seeds are actually packed with nutrition. —Christina Manian, Health, 30 July 2025

In addition to being a fat-free food, papaya is highly nutritious and full of vitamins. —Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 30 July 2025

The Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash is packed with lactic and salicylic acids to gently exfoliate dull or acne-prone skin, while glycerin and papaya extract keep skin soft, smooth, and hydrated. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 July 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