1. a North American tree that produces large, edible, yellowish fruit
2. the sweet, custard-like fruit of the pawpaw tree
3. a tropical tree (papaya) that produces large, orange fruit
Usage: chiefly British

Examples

• The pawpaw tree is native to eastern North America.
• We found ripe pawpaws growing wild in the forest.
• The pawpaw fruit tastes like a cross between a banana and a mango.
• She made jam from the pawpaws we picked yesterday.
• In Britain, pawpaw often refers to what Americans call papaya.
• The pawpaw’s creamy flesh is perfect for smoothies.