cherimoya

noun

cher·​i·​moya ˌcher-ə-ˈmȯi-ə How to pronounce cherimoya (audio)
variants or less commonly chirimoya
: a round, oblong, or heart-shaped fruit with a pitted pale green rind that is borne by a widely cultivated tropical American tree (Annona cherimola) of the custard-apple family
also : this tree

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Across town, the restroom wallpaper of Breadbelly, which specializes in Asian and Asian-American pastries, features durian, cherimoya, mangosteen, and other treasured fruits of Southeast Asia. Naomi Tomky, Fortune, 1 Dec. 2019 This is the last month to plant subtropicals like banana, citrus, avocado, cherimoya or guava. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Oct. 2019 In frost-free areas, also try cherimoya, guava, mango, and passion fruit. Thad Orr, Sunset, 22 Jan. 2018 Kiwano and cherimoya and rambutan, oh my! The produce aisle has never been so overrun with funky, exotic and otherwise unusual fruit. Paul Stephen, San Antonio Express-News, 13 June 2018 One example is the cherimoya, a species of custard apple. Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2018 Its relatives include cherimoya, soursop (guanábana), and sweetsop. Andrew Moore, Good Housekeeping, 12 Jan. 2018 New Yorkers welcomed speckled Asian pears; papaya with its lode of dripping black seeds; rough-skinned litchi disclosing creamy white flesh; knobby cherimoya with guts of custard; star fruit with its sharp angles and plasticized shine. New York Times, 16 Apr. 2018 Oddly shaped and covered with a leathery green skin, Noelle thinks cherimoya look more like prehistoric eggs than tropical fruit. latimes.com, 31 Mar. 2018 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cherimoya.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Spanish chirimoya

First Known Use

1736, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cherimoya was in 1736

Dictionary Entries Near cherimoya

Cite this Entry

“Cherimoya.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cherimoya. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

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