jackfruit

American  

[jak-froot] / ˈdʒækˌfrut /

noun

1. a large, tropical, milky-juiced tree, Artocarpus heterophyllus, of the mulberry family, having stiff and glossy green leaves, cultivated for its very large, edible fruit and seeds.

2. the fruit of this tree, which may weigh up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms).

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jackfruit British  

/ ˈdʒækˌfruːt /

noun

1. a tropical Asian moraceous tree, Artocarpus heterophyllus

2. the edible fruit of this tree, which resembles breadfruit and can weigh up to 27 kilograms (60 pounds)

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Etymology

Origin of jackfruit

First recorded in 1810–20; jack ³ + fruit

Example Sentences

Cake fillings of almond crunch and toasted pecan praline and candied lemon, while jackfruit and palm sugar bring distinct South-East Asian flavours.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

The main course was a jackfruit pastry served with glazed forest mushrooms, millet crisps and curry leaf tossed Kerala red rice.

From Reuters • Sep. 9, 2023

Vegan dinners, like jackfruit and lentil barbecue with potato salad, were hauled in on metal trays from an off-site kitchen.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2023

It’s a two-story brick building flanked by avocado and jackfruit trees in the quiet Kampala neighborhood of Bunga.

From New York Times • Oct. 20, 2022

The jeepney will circle the neighborhood while selling halo-halo, a sweet concoction of ice, milk, red beans, tapioca pearls, jackfruit, and coconut flesh—with even sweeter condensed milk drizzled on to stir in.

From "The House That Lou Built" by Mae Respicio