guava

noun

gua·​va ˈgwä-və 

1

: any of several tropical American shrubs or small trees (genus Psidium) of the myrtle family

especially : a shrubby tree (P. guajava) widely cultivated for its yellow-skinned fruit with sweet acid yellow or pink flesh

2

: the roundish to pear-shaped fruit of a guava

Did you know?

This is any of many trees and shrubs of a genus that is native to the New World tropics. The two important species are common guava and cattley, or strawberry, guava. The sweet pulp of the common guava fruit has a musky, sometimes pungent odor. The pulp of the strawberry guava fruit has a strawberry-like flavor. Guavas are processed into jams, jellies, and preserves. Fresh guavas are rich in vitamins A, B, and C. They are eaten raw, sliced, and are often served in desserts.

Examples of guava in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By far, my favorite was the guava fruit freeze served in a cup. —Sacbee.com, 16 Aug. 2025

Try dishes such as the guava duff, a steamed pudding slathered in a rum sauce, or johnnycake, Bahamian-style without the cornmeal, with a slab or two of salt fish. —AFAR Media, 4 Aug. 2025

And, Ayesha Curry just crushed guava girl summer with a new lip treatment inspired by the fruit. —Jackie Fields, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025

In the lobby is a seating area with bamboo stools set adjacent to a breakfast nook: a tranquil garden with pebbled flooring and shade provided by a fruiting Japanese guava tree. —Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 13 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Spanish guaba, guayaba, perhaps from Taino

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing guava

• pineapple guava

Rhymes for guava

• cava
• fava
• jahveh
• lava
• balaclava
• cassava

Kids Definition

guava

noun

gua·​va ˈgwäv-ə 

: the sweet acid yellow-skinned fruit of a shrubby tropical American tree of the myrtle family

also : a tree that produces guavas and is widely grown in cultivation