This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
papaya
[ puh-pah-yuh ]
/ pəˈpɑ yə /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
the large, yellow, melonlike fruit of a tropical American shrub or small tree, Carica papaya, eaten raw or cooked.
the tree itself.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Also called pawpaw.
Origin of papaya
1760–70; <Spanish <Carib (Hispaniola)
OTHER WORDS FROM papaya
pa·pa·yan, adjectiveWords nearby papaya
paparazzo, papauma, papaveraceous, papaverine, papaw, papaya, Papeete, papelera, Papen, paper, paperback
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use papaya in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for papaya
papaya
/ (pəˈpaɪə) /
noun
a Caribbean evergreen tree, Carica papaya, with a crown of large dissected leaves and large green hanging fruit: family Caricaceae
the fruit of this tree, having a yellow or reddish orange sweet edible pulp and small black seeds
Also called: papaw, pawpaw
Derived forms of papaya
papayan, adjectiveWord Origin for papaya
C15 papaye, from Spanish papaya, from an American Indian language; compare Carib ababai
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012