açaí

American  

[ah-sah-ee, ah-sahy-ee] / ˌɑ sɑˈi, ˌɑ saɪˈi /

Or acai

noun

1. the deep purple, edible berry of a Central and South American palm tree, Euterpe oleracea.

---

açaí British  

/ asai /

noun

1. Also called: palm berry.  a berry that grows on palm trees in the Brazilian rainforests. Because it is rich in nutrients, it is used to make energy drinks

---

Etymology

Origin of açaí

First recorded in 1850–60; from Portuguese açaí, earlier açay, assaí, uaçay, from either Tupi ïwasaí (unrecorded) or a similar source in the Tupi-Guarani family

Example Sentences

Acai has been a savory staple in the Amazon for centuries, eaten as a thick paste alongside fish and manioc flour.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

Other phase two tenants will include San Pedro pizzeria Miller Butler and Coffee with Crème & Sugar, Oakberry Acai and a park set aside for new pop-up restaurant and beverage concepts to test the waters.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 25, 2024

Verve Bowls on Capitol Hill expands to Ballard, doing Acai bowls and smoothies.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 11, 2018

Sweet Sweat, it turns out, is a holistic “workout enhancer” that stimulates perspiration and circulation with a mix of White Snow petrolatum, Brazilian Carnauba wax, Acai pulp, and pomegranate, jojoba, and virgin Camelina oils.

From Washington Post • Jan. 18, 2018

An Innocent Pomegranate, Blueberry and Acai Smoothie has 171 calories, a can of Coca-Cola 139 calories.

From BBC • Jul. 11, 2012