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

Guests are treated to live food stations replicating the sights, sounds and scents of a traditional Thai street market with stalls dishing out made-to-order Phad Thai, green papaya salad, satay skewers, tropical fruit and coconut ice cream. —Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

Animal sources of vitamin A, including dairy, egg yolks, and liver, tend to be easier for our bodies to use than plant sources, such as spinach, papaya, and carrots. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 May 2025

Papaya An enzyme found in papaya, papain, is often used in medicinal products for digestive disorders, skin rashes, and certain infections.29 Papain has been shown to help the digestive system by breaking down foods that are difficult to digest, preventing bloating and gas.30 13. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 7 May 2025

Available in 11 fun colors like papaya and low country peach, this is the perfect vessel for mixing up a batch of watermelon margaritas on the deck and then loading it into the dishwasher when finished. —Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 21 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, of American Indian origin; akin to Arawak papáia papaya

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for papaya

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

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