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

Customers have been using the new guava spread in place of typical strawberry or blueberry jam for a more tropical PB&J and have been spreading it onto breakfast staples, like pancakes or waffles. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2025

In the hot box, ham croquetas, guava and cheese pastelitos, ham cachitos, pan de bono, pan de queso and baked empanadas had been out of temperature control for four hours. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025

Its rise in popularity can be explained by a common thread running through the entire beauty industry for Summer 2025: guava as a key ingredient and color. —Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 18 June 2025

In the meantime, one commenter suggested trying Costco’s similar guava spread. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 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