dragon fruit

noun

variants or less commonly dragonfruit

ˈdra-gən-ˌfrüt 

plural dragon fruits or dragon fruit also dragonfruits or dragonfruit

1

: a large usually oval to oblong fruit of any of several erect, sprawling, or vining cacti (as of the genera Selenicereus or Sternocereus) that has leathery skin with prominent scaly spikes and juicy flesh : pitaya sense 2

especially : the fruit of a widely cultivated cactus (Selenicereus undatus) of Mexico and Central America that usually has bright pink or red skin and white or sometimes red, mildly sweet flesh with numerous tiny black seeds

Suddenly, dragon fruit—also known as pitaya or pitahaya—is popping up in teas, thirst quenchers and even vodka. But its allure may have as much to do with is distinctive looks as its flavor.

—The New York Times

One of the latest foods to satisfy the United States appetite for the exotic, the dragon fruit is produced by a cactus that can draw moisture from the air like an orchid.

—A. R. Williams

Tropical dragonfruit tasting like watermelon in one bite and strawberry in another, was an enchanting garnish for Concord grape granita with a lime sorbet …

—Caroline Bates

2

: a cactus that produces dragon fruit : pitaya sense 1

Baskin's garden includes a pitaya or a dragon fruit plant that grows large red fruit with green spikes.

—Deborah S. Hartz-Seeley

Examples of dragon fruit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The free shot at Urban Plates is made with organic dragon fruit, strawberry and lemon. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026

For non-coffee drinks, the dragon fruit and strawberry acai refreshers are two of their best sellers. —Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

What a bourbon this is, with notes of chocolate, apple, maple, plum, strawberry, raw grain, spice, bubble gum, oak, raisin, and just a touch of dragon fruit on the palate. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 22 Dec. 2025

Vendors sling pineapples, dragon fruit, and fresh fish from deck to deck, while giant eyes painted on the boats’ bows peer ahead, believed to guide captains to good fortune. —Chris Schalkx, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dragon fruit

• absolute
• arrowroot
• attribute
• bitterroot
• constitute
• convolute
• destitute
• disrepute
• dissolute
• execute
• institute
• involute