chirimoya: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareSpecialized/Technical (Botany, Culinary)
Quick answer
What does “chirimoya” mean?
A tropical fruit native to the Andes, with green, scaly skin and sweet, creamy white flesh containing large black seeds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tropical fruit native to the Andes, with green, scaly skin and sweet, creamy white flesh containing large black seeds.
The tree (Annona cherimola) that produces this fruit; can also refer by analogy to something with a similar complex, segmented shape or texture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The fruit is equally exotic/uncommon in both markets.
Connotations
Connotes exoticism, tropical cuisine, and health foods in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency. More likely encountered in specialist food writing, travelogues, or botanical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chirimoya” in a Sentence
to eat a chirimoyato peel a chirimoyaThe chirimoya tastes [adjective].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in import/export of exotic fruits or niche food retail.
Academic
Used in botanical, horticultural, or ethnobotanical texts.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used in conversations about exotic foods or travel.
Technical
Used in taxonomy (Annona cherimola) and agricultural science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chirimoya”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chirimoya”
- Misspelling: 'cherimoya' (common variant), 'chiremoya'.
- Mispronunciation: /ˈtʃɪrɪmoʊə/ (misplacing stress).
- Confusing it with other Annona genus fruits like soursop or sugar-apple.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'cherimoya' is a common variant spelling, though 'chirimoya' is the original Spanish/Quechua form.
It is often described as having a sweet, complex flavour reminiscent of banana, pineapple, pear, and strawberry with a creamy, custard-like texture.
No, the skin is not edible. Only the soft, white inner pulp is eaten, and the large black seeds should be discarded.
They are highly perishable and rare outside their growing regions. You might find them in specialty international markets or high-end grocery stores in large cities, typically in autumn or winter.
A tropical fruit native to the Andes, with green, scaly skin and sweet, creamy white flesh containing large black seeds.
Chirimoya is usually specialized/technical (botany, culinary) in register.
Chirimoya: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃɪrɪˈmɔɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃɪrəˈmɔɪə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None. The word is too specific for idiomatic use.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CHERRY tree growing in the MOYA-ntains of Peru. CHERRY-MOYA -> CHIRIMOYA.
Conceptual Metaphor
[Not typically a source domain for metaphor due to its specificity.]
Practice
Quiz
What is a chirimoya?