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

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

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Word History

Etymology

probably modification of Spanish papaya

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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