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

In addition to the three-tier wedding cake with a strawberry guava filling, a special birthday cake for the bride was brought out. —Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024

Others communicate a new space between cultures: plantain upside-down cake, collard greens empanadas, and guava cream cheese doughnuts. —Kendra Nordin Beato, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2024

Be sure to try the guava con queso and the passionfruit creme brulee. —Melissa Santos, Axios, 10 Dec. 2024

Over the past few weeks, elephants had also destroyed her guava tree and her vegetable patch, prompting the family to abandon efforts to grow their own food. —Tommy Trenchard, NPR, 8 Dec. 2024

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

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