papaya

noun

pa·​pa·​ya pə-ˈpī-ə How to pronounce papaya (audio)
: 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 attraction was Tran’s menu, an extensive survey of Vietnamese home-style cooking, including pho, hot pots, papaya salad, spring rolls, steamed rice crepes and dozens of other dishes. Tim Carman, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024 The dining room is simple, but dishes like the shrimp papaya salad are beautifully put together. Liza B. Zimmerman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 The spacious, low-key restaurant was previously an Asian market, but thanks to the popularity of that papaya salad, was transformed into a restaurant instead. Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2024 Finish: Satin Key ingredients: Squalane and sunflower seed oil, papaya fruit extract, raspberry oil Staying power: Long-lasting Ease of application: This lipstick applies with the ease of a balm. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2024 Some stand-out spas for solo travelers in Hawaii include Nala Spa at Turtle Bay on Oahu island ingredients are incorporated into treatments, like a body wrap with Hawaiian spirulina, green mineral clay, papaya leaves, and passion fruit. Brittany Anas, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 Thinly sliced unripe papaya is muddled with briny crab and topped with crunchy pork rinds for this extra funky take on the classic Thai salad. The Arizona Republic, 15 Feb. 2024 According to its website Thai Time incorporates authentic Thai flavors into its dishes, with ingredients such as green papaya, lemongrass, lime leaf and eggplant. Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 25 Jan. 2024 It’s formulated with anti-inflammatory papaya seed oil, and the addition of squalane oil boosts hydration. Talia Connor, Rolling Stone, 22 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'papaya.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of papaya was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near papaya

Cite this Entry

“Papaya.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/papaya. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

papaya

noun
pa·​pa·​ya pə-ˈpī-ə How to pronounce papaya (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce papaya (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on papaya

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