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

Some of its roasts include Las Cidras (with notes of coca, honey, Rainier cherry) and Alirio Munoz (with apple cider, papaya and lime). —Jenna Thompson june 10, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026

The best-selling formula is super nourishing thanks to a blend of 14 oils like passion fruit, papaya, marula, and chia. —Christina Butan, InStyle, 8 June 2026

Shredded vegetables — carrot, ginger, papaya, shallot and cucumber, some pickled and some fresh — are arranged, per the original name, over top in willowy repose. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026

Breakfast is a joy, above the beach on the restaurant terrace, with endless juices and smoothies and little dishes to choose from, from coconut yoghurt with muesli to fresh papaya to spicy lentils. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Spanish, borrowed from Taino papaya (or from a cognate Arawakan word)

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for papaya

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

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