noun

inga

IHNG-guh

Inga (noun) means any tree or shrub of the tropical genus Inga, common in Central and South America and often grown for shade or edible pods. Example: “Farmers planted inga trees between the coffee rows to add shade and fix nitrogen in the soil.”

noun

Any tree or shrub of the tropical genus Inga, common in Central and South America and often grown for shade or edible pods.

"Farmers planted inga trees between the coffee rows to add shade and fix nitrogen in the soil."

How to use inga

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA tropical tree genus, some species of which produce sweet, edible pods sometimes called "ice-cream beans."

Word forms

ingas plural

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Farmers planted _____ trees between the coffee rows to add shade and fix nitrogen in the soil.

Etymology

Borrowed via Portuguese from Old Tupi ingá, a name from Indigenous Brazilian languages.

Origin: Portuguese

Frequently asked questions

What does “inga” mean?

The word “inga” means any tree or shrub of the tropical genus Inga, common in Central and South America and often grown for shade or edible pods. In plain terms, a tropical tree genus, some species of which produce sweet, edible pods sometimes called "ice-cream beans.".

How do you pronounce “inga”?

“Inga” is pronounced IHNG-guh (/ˈɪŋɡə/ in IPA).

How do you use “inga” in a sentence?

Here is “inga” used in a sentence: “Farmers planted inga trees between the coffee rows to add shade and fix nitrogen in the soil.”

What part of speech is “inga”?

“Inga” is a noun.

Where does the word “inga” come from?

The word “inga” comes from Portuguese. Borrowed via Portuguese from Old Tupi ingá, a name from Indigenous Brazilian languages.

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Vocabulary lists that include inga:

Words with Portuguese origins