papaya

[ puh-pah-yuh ]

noun

1. the large, yellow, melonlike fruit of a tropical American shrub or small tree, Carica papaya, eaten raw or cooked.
2. the tree itself.

papaya

/ pəˈpaɪə /

noun

1. a Caribbean evergreen tree, Carica papaya, with a crown of large dissected leaves and large green hanging fruit: family Caricaceae
2. the fruit of this tree, having a yellow or reddish orange sweet edible pulp and small black seeds

Derived Forms

• paˈpayan, adjective

Other Words From

• pa·payan adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of papaya¹

1760–70; < Spanish < Carib (Hispaniola)

Word History and Origins

Origin of papaya¹

C15 papaye, from Spanish papaya, from an American Indian language; compare Carib ababai

Example Sentences

Stella said this changed approach from McLaren was distinct from the so-called "papaya rules", a phrase used by Norris’ engineer Will Joseph over the team radio in Italy as a shorthand for the drivers' rules of engagement with each other on track.

From BBC

Stella said they would "review" the first-lap incident before deciding whether it fitted with their rules on the way the drivers can race together - known internally as "the papaya rules", after the team's colour scheme - and adjust those guidelines accordingly.

From BBC

Nearby trees offer dragonfruit and limes, and there's even a smattering of papaya plants.

From Salon

June 21 at Echo Park’s inclusive lingerie store, Sammy Mowrey’s “Boyfriend: A Queer Comedy Show” brings aboard Jake Noll and Pluto Papaya, “some of my favorite queer comedians in L.A., opening for me while I run my half-hour set.”

From Los Angeles Times

In his typical uniform of loose cotton shirt and seersucker Bermuda shorts, Gruselle has performed a range of duties: serving trays of fresh mango or papaya for breakfast; arranging water-skiing excursions; recommending fabric shops; securing reservations at the Peponi Hotel, a Lamu hot spot; and wrangling six donkeys to stage a makeshift Nativity scene at Christmas.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• cantaloupe
• gourd
• watermelon