papaw

1 of 2

noun (1)

pa·​paw

less common spelling of pawpaw

1
pə-ˈpȯ How to pronounce papaw (audio) : papaya
2
ˈpä-(ˌ)pȯ How to pronounce papaw (audio)
ˈpȯ-
 : a North American tree (Asimina triloba) of the custard-apple family with purple flowers and an edible green-skinned fruit
also : its fruit

pawpaw

2 of 2

noun (2)

paw·​paw
variants or less commonly papaw
1
pə-ˈpȯ How to pronounce pawpaw (audio) : papaya
2
ˈpä-(ˌ)pȯ How to pronounce pawpaw (audio)
ˈpȯ-
 : a North American tree (Asimina triloba) of the custard-apple family with purple flowers and an edible green-skinned fruit
also : its fruit

Examples of papaw 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.
Noun
Many focused on home, family, mama, papaw and grampa. — Bob Hill, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Dec. 2025
Noun
Despite being a native plant, pawpaw trees present a unique set of challenges for home gardeners. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 29 May 2026 Make sure to plant a second pawpaw to ensure pollination. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for papaw

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

probably modification of Spanish papaya

First Known Use

Noun (2)

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of papaw was in 1624

Rhymes for papaw

See All Rhymes for papaw

Browse Nearby Words

papaverine
papaw
papaw family
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Papaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/papaw. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

papaw

variant of pawpaw

Medical Definition

papaw

noun
pa·​paw
variants or pawpaw
1
pə-ˈpȯ How to pronounce papaw (audio) : papaya
2
ˈpäp-(ˌ)ȯ, ˈpȯp-
 : a North American tree (Asimina triloba of the family Annonaceae) with purple flowers and a yellow edible fruit
also : its fruit

More from Merriam-Webster on papaw

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about papaw

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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