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

Many banana and papaya plants are fruiting; feed monthly for best production. 38. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025

Physical rice and sugar exfoliants along with papaya enzymes help to target and slough away dead skin cells, while green coffee oil helps to brighten skin. —Kayla Greaves, Essence, 23 June 2025

The public can sample a mix of traditional savory food and desserts such as papaya salad, barbecue and herbal beverages. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025

Its specialties include spicy dishes like papaya salad, grilled meats and sticky rice. —Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 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