dragon fruit

American  

[drag-uhn froot] / ˈdræg ən ˌfrut /

Or dragonfruit

noun

1. a round or oval fruit produced by any of several cactus species, especially Selenicereus undatus, usually having red, pink, or yellow scaly skin and sweet white or red pulp filled with small black seeds.

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dragon fruit British  

noun

1. another name for pitahaya

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Etymology

Origin of dragon fruit

First recorded in 1960–65; probably a loan translation from a Southeast Asian language

Example Sentences

"Dragon fruit adoption in India spread like mobile phones, once farmers saw the income potential, everyone wanted to grow it," says Karunakaran.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Dragon fruit is a climbing cactus, making it an unusual fruit to cultivate.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Dragon fruit, the colorful cactus fruit also known as pitaya, has brought its subtle flavor far and wide this summer, from iced teas at Taco Bell to fruit drinks at Starbucks.

From New York Times • Sep. 23, 2022

Dragon fruit, Thai mangos and $3 bags of homegrown kumquats are main draws for senior citizens who walk over from nearby apartments, greeting Luu like an old friend.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2022

Fun facts: Dragon fruit, believed to be native to Central America, are technically part of the cactus species, yet look like a smaller, softer, pinker pineapple.

From Washington Post • Nov. 24, 2018