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

Go for breakfast and order the acai bowl topped with fresh fruit (add the almond butter and bee pollen) alongside a latte with housemade coconut-cashew milk. — Sara Harowitz, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026

Almond butter offers an earthy nuttiness without totally overpowering the smoothie’s flavor—for more, use peanut butter, or try cashew for something more mild. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 July 2026

The oils in natural almond, peanut, and cashew butters, as well as tahini, can separate and oxidize more rapidly in warm kitchens, leading to off-flavors and a shorter shelf life. — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 1 July 2026

The best way to take advantage of the health benefits of cashews is to consume them regularly, in mindful portions. — Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 24 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese cajú, acajú, from Tupi akajú

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cashew

• 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