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

Many residents with tropical fruit trees including mango, avocado, lychee, carambola, guava and similar trees are asking the same question. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026

The bar will carry rum and spirits derived from sugarcane, and guava, passion fruit and mango mojitos. —Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

Breakfast is served buffet-style, featuring Ecuadorian staples such as empanadas de verde and fresh soursop juice, as well as omelettes, guava jams, and bread baked in the ship’s kitchen. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

The guava matcha draws inspiration from the guava tree Orta grew up in her abuelita’s backyard. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026

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