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
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Add the dressing, cabbage and half of the scallions, cilantro and cashews (if using) to the bowl with the rice and toss until everything is well coated in the dressing. Emily Weinstein, Twin Cities, 4 June 2026 Peanuts, almonds, pistachios, and cashews are among the highest-protein nuts and provide amounts similar to peanut butter. Lindsey Desoto, Health, 3 June 2026 The cashew color is neutral enough to go with literally everything in my closet, instantly transporting me to a quaint cafe in France. Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026 These crunchy and sweet cashews are slightly salty and always dependable. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 28 May 2026 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 7 Jun. 2026.

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

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