papaw

1 of 2

noun (1)

pa·​paw

less common spelling of pawpaw

1

pə-ˈpȯ  : papaya

2

ˈpä-(ˌ)pȯ 

ˈpȯ-

: a North American tree (Asimina triloba) of the custard-apple family with purple flowers and an edible green-skinned fruit

also : its fruit

pawpaw

2 of 2

noun (2)

paw·​paw

variants or less commonly papaw

1

pə-ˈpȯ  : papaya

2

ˈpä-(ˌ)pȯ 

ˈpȯ-

: a North American tree (Asimina triloba) of the custard-apple family with purple flowers and an edible green-skinned fruit

also : its fruit

Examples of papaw in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Many focused on home, family, mama, papaw and grampa. —Bob Hill, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Dec. 2025

Noun

Despite being a native plant, pawpaw trees present a unique set of challenges for home gardeners. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 29 May 2026

Special collections include a pitcher plant bog, native azaleas and more than 15 cultivars of pawpaw. —Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

probably modification of Spanish papaya

First Known Use

Noun (2)

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for papaw

• pawpaw
• quapaw

Kids Definition

papaw

variant of pawpaw

Medical Definition

papaw

noun

pa·​paw

variants or pawpaw

1

pə-ˈpȯ  : papaya

2

ˈpäp-(ˌ)ȯ, ˈpȯp-

: a North American tree (Asimina triloba of the family Annonaceae) with purple flowers and a yellow edible fruit

also : its fruit