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

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

This delightful Riesling has aromas of tangerine pith, anise, and guava. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2025

Food The power of Porto’s: Why those yellow boxes of guava pastries will always say ‘L.A.’ Feb. 16, 2023 The location gets huge foot traffic. —Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 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