# cashew

/ˈkæˌʃu/ (US) · /kˈæʃjuː/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cashew
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a small, kidney-shaped nut that grows on a tree in tropical areas. It is often eaten as a snack or used to make milk and butter.

For teachers: the edible seed of the cashew tree, Anacardium occidentale, which is typically consumed after the toxic outer shell is removed. Often used in culinary contexts to refer to the nut itself or its processed derivatives.

## Examples

- I like to eat roasted cashews as a healthy snack.
- The chef added crushed cashews to the sauce to give it a creamy texture without using dairy.
- While the cashew apple is a popular fruit in its native regions, the global market remains dominated by the cashew nut, which is processed into a variety of culinary products.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.