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, Hylocereus, or Sternocereus) that has leathery skin with prominent scaly spikes and juicy flesh : pitaya sense 2

especially : the fruit of a widely cultivated cactus (Hylocereus 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Some of the fruits included in our gift basket were cherimoya, kumquats, Asian pear, dragon fruit, passion fruit, mini bananas, feijoas, baby pineapples, papaya, and guava. —Molly Blanco, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2023

The chain also offers twists on bottled beverages like Brisk blood orange, Vitamin Water xxx, MTN DEW citrus and their newest Slurpee flavor: Fanta zero sugar dragon fruit. —Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 18 Apr. 2023

Other newcomers specialize in vegan tacos on dragon fruit tortillas, or both sweet and savory choux pastries. —Janelle Bitker, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 Mar. 2023

The nursery is also selling other vegetable plants for spring home gardens, including herbs, zucchini, squash, cucumbers, beans, lettuce, strawberries and dragon fruit. —Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 1