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Definition of inga
inga
/ˈɪŋ.ɡə/
in · ga
Plural:ingas
inga Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
12
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A genus of tropical and subtropical trees and shrubs native to the Americas in the legume family, characterized by their pinnate leaves and long pods that contain a sweet, edible pulp.
Example
"Indigenous communities frequently planted inga trees alongside coffee and cacao crops to provide essential shade."
2
The long, ribbed, pod-like fruit of the inga tree, often referred to as an ice-cream bean because of the sweet, fluffy texture of the pulp surrounding its seeds.
Example
"We bought a fresh inga at the local market and cracked open the hard pod to eat the snowy pulp inside."
• Rhymes for inga
Word Origin & Etymology
From Portuguese 'ingá', borrowed from Old Tupi 'ingá', which referred to the tree and its fruit.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Inga. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/inga