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

Cook: Make a great taco even better with jackfruit.

From New York Times • May 2, 2024

“I am growing jackfruit and coconut,” he said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2024

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

She spends a lot of time in her backyard farm where she grows tapioca, bananas, ginger, yam and jackfruit.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2023

I could spot every kind of fruit tree—mango, coconut, banana, jackfruit, and even a short orange tree.

From "The Bridge Home" by Padma Venkatraman