pawpaw

noun

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 pawpaw in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pour into a heatproof bowl, and whisk in 1 teaspoon vanilla, butter, and pawpaw puree. —Stephanie Ganz, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025

Pawpaws Another native plant option, pawpaw trees are found throughout eastern North America, with a geographic range that stretches from Canada to Florida. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2025

To the last bite of a semifreddo ice cream sandwich made with pawpaws foraged during their late-summer window, Wildweed offers loving tribute to the heartland. —The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025

Native Americans, early settlers, some of our Founding Fathers and today’s small-town folk have harvested and relished pawpaws on sunny fall days. —John Vukmirovich, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably modification of Spanish papaya

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pawpaw

• quapaw

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