kava

noun

ka·​va ˈkä-və 

1

: an Australasian shrubby pepper (Piper methysticum) from whose crushed root an intoxicating beverage is made

also : the beverage made from kava

2

: the dried rhizome and roots of the kava used especially as a dietary supplement chiefly to relieve stress and anxiety

Examples of kava in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Here, guests have the chance to participate in and witness local traditions, including ceremonies highlighting Fiji’s national drink, kava; feasts prepared in a lovo, a traditional underground oven; and meke, a communal folk dance used to tell stories through song. —Sarah Farag, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025

Kava There is evidence that suggests that kava, a plant in the pepper family, may help ease anxiety symptoms.28 Kava may be more effective in reducing anxiety in females and younger adults.29 Like other supplements on this list, kava also acts on the GABA pathway to help produce a sense of calm. —Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 19 May 2025

For those familiar with the muddy taste of kava, that's completely absent here. —Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

Many are drawn to the community of the kava house and end up coming back for more. —Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Tongan & Marquesan, literally, bitter

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing kava

• kava kava

Medical Definition

kava

noun

ka·​va ˈkäv-ə 

1

: an Australasian shrubby pepper (Piper methysticum) from whose crushed root an intoxicating beverage is made

also : the beverage

2

: a preparation consisting of the ground dried rhizome and roots of the kava plant that is used as a dietary supplement chiefly to relieve stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness and in folk medicine especially as a diuretic and urogenital antiseptic and that has been linked to cases of severe liver injury