1. A tropical American tree (Carica papaya) or its large, oblong fruit with yellow-orange flesh and small black seeds, eaten as food.
Usage: Also spelled 'papaya'; 'papaw' is an older or alternative spelling.
2. A North American tree (Asimina triloba) or its small, edible fruit with soft, custard-like flesh.
Usage: Regional; primarily used in eastern United States.

Examples

• She sliced the papaw in half and scooped out the sweet flesh with a spoon.
• Papaw trees grow well in tropical climates with plenty of sunlight.
• The papaw fruit is rich in vitamin C and digestive enzymes.
• In the Appalachian region, papaw is a beloved native fruit.
• We bought fresh papaws at the farmers' market last weekend.