pawpaw

noun

paw·​paw
variants or less commonly
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The pawpaw semifreddo at Wildweed With his pawpaw ice cream sandwich, chef David Jackman demonstrates his appreciation of the Midwestern bounty. Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 29 Aug. 2025 Farmers don’t typically grow pawpaws because the raw fruit spoils easily and is difficult to ship, according to the Kansas State University E​xtension Office. Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2025 There’s a long stretch of pawpaw somewhere along the banks of Fall Creek. Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 25 Aug. 2025 With so many uses, why isn't the pawpaw more popular? Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pawpaw

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pawpaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pawpaw. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on pawpaw

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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