papaya

noun

pa·​pa·​ya pə-ˈpī-ə 

: a tropical American tree (Carica papaya of the family Caricaceae, the papaya family) having an oblong to globose yellow edible fruit with numerous black seeds in a central cavity

also : its fruit

Examples of papaya in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On one end, the route took the avocado and papaya from Mexico to Asia. — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026

Some of the highest discounts include 30% off the 35-ounce YETI Rambler tumbler in select colors, including summery shades like peach, papaya and seafoam. — ABC News, 23 June 2026

There’s a strong push towards bright polishes softened by clear finishes, from papaya-orange jellies to sea-green cat-eyes. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 20 June 2026

Some of its roasts include Las Cidras (with notes of coca, honey, Rainier cherry) and Alirio Munoz (with apple cider, papaya and lime). — Jenna Thompson june 10, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Spanish, borrowed from Taino papaya (or from a cognate Arawakan word)

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for papaya

• messiah
• nyaya
• pariah
• rupiah
• shariah
• vinaya
• gaia
• maia
• maya
• playa
• via
• hezekiah

Kids Definition

papaya

noun

pa·​pa·​ya pə-ˈpī-ə 

: an oblong edible yellow fruit with many black seeds that grows on a tropical American tree with large leaves

also : the tree

Medical Definition

papaya

noun

pa·​pa·​ya pə-ˈpī-ə 

: a tropical American tree of the genus Carica (C. papaya) with large oblong yellow edible fruit

also : its fruit which is the source of papain