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

Make sure to plant a second pawpaw to ensure pollination. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025

School kids who walk to their local orchard in Pendleton Heights to pick pears, figs and pawpaws could soon see the community garden get paved over with a fresh parking lot. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 20 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

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