cashew

noun

cash·​ew ˈka-(ˌ)shü How to pronounce cashew (audio)
kə-ˈshü
: a tropical American tree (Anacardium occidentale of the family Anacardiaceae, the cashew family) grown for a phenolic oil and the edible kernel of its nut and for a gum from its stem
also : cashew nut

Examples of cashew in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For an alternative to pine nuts, consider using less-pricey walnuts, pistachios, almonds or cashews. Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 12 July 2025 Each bottle made our taste buds sing, but standouts from our testing included the Power Greens smoothie, rich in vibrant-tasting wheatgrass and spirulina, and the sweet-chocolatey Raspberry Cacao blend, which packs fresh beets, cashew butter, and rose water. Betty Gold Kider, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 June 2025 Around $54,000 of raw cashews, kola nuts, and maize were traded in the first 10 minutes of launch, RFI reported. Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 4 June 2025 Because the recalled product is labeled only as containing peanuts, allergic consumers may not be aware of the presence of cashews. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cashew

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese cajú, acajú, from Tupi akajú

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cashew was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cashew.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cashew. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

cashew

noun
ca·​shew
ˈkash-ü,
kə-ˈshü
: an edible nut that is shaped like a kidney and comes from a tropical American tree that is related to the sumacs
also : the tree that produces cashews

More from Merriam-Webster on cashew

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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