cashew

noun

cash·​ew ˈka-(ˌ)shü 

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

The recall was issued September 15 after consumers complained of stones and other hard objects within the dessert’s cashew clusters. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026

Cilantro-Cashew Za’atar Salad This crisp salad is tossed in a creamy, dairy-free dressing blend of za’atar, cashew butter, ginger, and a hint of maple syrup. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 17 Sep. 2026

Its chicken salad scoop options include the Olivia’s Old South (sweet pickles and egg), Jalapeño Holly (with jalapeños), Nutty Nanna (with pecans and cashews), and Barbie Q. — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2026

Roasted cashews tossed in an apple cider and cinnamon coating make for a sweet and crunchy fall snack. — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese cajú, acajú, from Tupi akajú

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cashew

• almond/cashew butter
• cashew nut

Rhymes for cashew

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

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