mamey: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized/Regional
Quick answer
What does “mamey” mean?
A tropical fruit with sweet, reddish-orange flesh and a large central seed, from the tree Mammea americana.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tropical fruit with sweet, reddish-orange flesh and a large central seed, from the tree Mammea americana.
The tree that produces the mamey fruit; also refers to the fruit's color, a deep reddish-orange.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is equally uncommon in both varieties. It may be slightly more familiar in American English due to proximity to growing regions (Florida, Puerto Rico).
Connotations
Connotes tropical climates, exotic fruit, and specific regional cuisines. No significant difference in connotation between BrE and AmE.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general corpora. Higher frequency in texts related to tropical botany, Caribbean cuisine, or travel writing about relevant regions.
Grammar
How to Use “mamey” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] mamey [VERB].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mamey” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The walls were painted a warm mamey colour.
American English
- She wore a dress in a beautiful mamey shade.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in import/export, agricultural, or specialty food retail contexts.
Academic
Used in botanical, horticultural, or culinary studies texts.
Everyday
Used in conversations about food, travel, or gardening in relevant regions.
Technical
Used in botanical taxonomy (Mammea americana) and agricultural guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mamey”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mamey”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mamey”
- Misspelling as 'mamay', 'mamie', or 'mamei'.
- Confusing it with the similar-sounding but unrelated 'mammy'.
- Using it as a general term for any orange-fleshed fruit.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'mamey' and 'mammee apple' are common names for the fruit of Mammea americana.
It is native to the Caribbean and Central and South America, and is also cultivated in Florida and other tropical regions.
The ripe flesh is typically scooped out and eaten raw, or blended into drinks, ice creams, and desserts.
It is often described as having a sweet, creamy flavour reminiscent of sweet potato, pumpkin, apricot, or almond.
A tropical fruit with sweet, reddish-orange flesh and a large central seed, from the tree Mammea americana.
Mamey is usually specialized/regional in register.
Mamey: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːmeɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːmeɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific fruit]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MAMey: Think of a MAMma feeding her baby a sweet, orange tropical fruit.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXOTIC IS DISTANT; SWEETNESS IS REWARDING.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'mamey' primarily?