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

Pineapples, sweet corn, avocados, papaya, and onions have some of the lowest amounts of pesticide residues based on EWG's testing. —Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 20 June 2025

The creamy Caribbean fruit has a delicate but firm texture like a papaya, but tastes like a delicious pumpkin pie. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 19 June 2025

These include pineapples, sweet corn (both fresh and frozen), avocados, papaya, onions, frozen sweet peas, asparagus, cabbage, watermelon, cauliflower, bananas, mangos, carrots, mushrooms and kiwis. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 13 June 2025

Notable dishes include Wagyu dumplings, papaya salad, adobo pork ribs, miso cod, chicken karaage and filet mignon. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 28 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