papaya

noun

pa·​pa·​ya pə-ˈpī-ə How to pronounce papaya (audio)
: a tropical American tree (Carica papaya of the family Caricaceae, the papaya family) having an oblong to globose yellow edible fruit with numerous black seeds in a central cavity
also : its fruit

Examples of papaya in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Both iterations are formulated with smoothing honey extract, strawberry, blueberry, and papaya extracts, plus milk proteins to fortify and condition strands. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 12 Aug. 2026 The babaco papaya’s large, yellow fruit is soft with a tart, citrusy flavor. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Boosts The Immune System One cup of papaya is nearly enough to meet your daily vitamin C needs. — Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 5 Aug. 2026 Fiber-rich fruits, such as berries, kiwi, and papaya, support gut health. — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for papaya

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Spanish, borrowed from Taino papaya (or from a cognate Arawakan word)

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of papaya was in 1598

Rhymes for papaya

See All Rhymes for papaya

Browse Nearby Words

papaw family
papaya
Papayaceae
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Papaya.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/papaya. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

papaya

noun
pa·​pa·​ya pə-ˈpī-ə How to pronounce papaya (audio)
: an oblong edible yellow fruit with many black seeds that grows on a tropical American tree with large leaves
also : the tree

Medical Definition

papaya

noun
pa·​pa·​ya pə-ˈpī-ə How to pronounce papaya (audio)
: a tropical American tree of the genus Carica (C. papaya) with large oblong yellow edible fruit
also : its fruit which is the source of papain

More from Merriam-Webster on papaya

Nglish: Translation of papaya for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about papaya

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