pawpaw

noun

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 pawpaw 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.
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 Bear Creek Farm smoked pork loin is lifted by a jus infused with pawpaw, a wild American fruit. — Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 13 Nov. 2025 Some fruit trees with taproots, including pawpaws, citrus trees, and persimmons, may struggle when grown from bare-root plants, but are much easier to grow from potted ones. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pawpaw

Word History

Etymology

probably modification of Spanish papaya

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pawpaw was in 1624

Rhymes for pawpaw

See All Rhymes for pawpaw

Browse Nearby Words

pawn ticket
pawpaw
Pawtucket
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

pawpaw

noun
paw·​paw
variants also papaw
1
pə-ˈpȯ
 : papaya
2
ˈpäp-(ˌ)ȯ, 
ˈpȯp-
 : a North American tree having purple flowers and an edible fruit with green skin
also : its fruit

Medical Definition

pawpaw

variant of papaw

More from Merriam-Webster on pawpaw

Nglish: Translation of pawpaw for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pawpaw

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