pawpaw

noun

paw·​paw
variants or less commonly papaw
1
2
ˈpä-(ˌ)pȯ How to pronounce pawpaw (audio)
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 pawpaw in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Crafty mixologists present seasonal pawpaw cocktails. Petula Dvorak, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2023 In 2016, the Lansing State Journal spotlighted pawpaw manufacturer Nash Nurseries in Owosso, which sells pawpaw puree to local farmer markets, wholesalers and hobbyists. Chandra Fleming, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2022 George Washington loved a custardy cup of chilled pawpaw. Petula Dvorak, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2023 Growing pawpaws, even under the best of circumstances, requires patience. Molly Fitzpatrick, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2023 Water Younger pawpaw trees will require more frequent watering. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2023 Western Maryland Lemonade is bottled locally in small batches with fresh ingredients like pawpaws (a fruit with a mango/banana/citrus-y flavor), autumn olive and wine berries. Donna M. Owens, Baltimore Sun, 31 Aug. 2023 Learn about the pawpaw tree with horticulture researcher Sheri Crabtree, and sample its fruit. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2010 This all-weekend Sept. 15-17 event highlights the rich history and future possibilities of the pawpaw through delectable food and beverages. Sam Boyer, cleveland, 25 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pawpaw.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

probably modification of Spanish papaya

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pawpaw was in 1624

Dictionary Entries Near pawpaw

Cite this Entry

“Pawpaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pawpaw. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

pawpaw

noun
paw·​paw
variants also papaw
1
pə-ˈpȯ
: papaya
2
ˈpäp-(ˌ)ȯ,
ˈpȯp-
: a North American tree having purple flowers and an edible fruit with green skin
also : its fruit

Medical Definition

pawpaw

variant of papaw

More from Merriam-Webster on pawpaw

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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