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

Large, strong tiki drinks, like its guava banana daiquiri or piña colada, pair well with the restaurant’s island-style bites. —Tim Ebner, Washington Post, 10 July 2024

Rodent droppings, dead roaches and food storage issues such as open bag of raw chicken stored over guava pastries resulted in the state shutting three South Florida restaurants last week. —Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2024

After their breakthrough with the guava plant, de la Fuente and his colleagues theorized AI could further accelerate antibiotic discovery. —Cecilia.butini, Vox, 4 June 2024

Examples included the Naked passion fruit, mango and guava smoothie, which has 62% apple juice, and an Innocent pink dragon fruit and lychee drink, made from 70% apple juice. —Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week Uk, theweek, 3 Apr. 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