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

These, along with an orchard featuring an array of fruit trees including apricots, nectarines, oranges, lemons, limes, plums, peaches, figs, guavas and jujubes, plus a dragon fruit tower, are all part of the garden’s common area. —Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2025

According to King, dragon fruit has benefits for the GI system and contains antioxidants and fatty acids, which can improve circulation and help keep cholesterol levels in check. —Gillian Mohney, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2025

There's also the Pop Pop Fizz, mixed with Grey Goose Vodka, dragon fruit, all-natural sweet and sour mix, pineapple juice and a mini bottle of La Marca Prosecco. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Sep. 2025

Pair dragon fruit—the pink, mildly sweet flesh of the funky tropical fruit—with mini dragon egg-sized scoops of melon sorbet and effervescent Prosecco. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 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