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

Our favorites are the beef and the guava and cheese. —Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025

Although the substance can be found in apple peels, guava leaves, figs, almonds, onion bulbs and certain teas, the researchers noted that simply consuming them isn't enough. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025

Unexpected high-protein foods include kamut, guava, Brussels sprouts, kefir, and mung beans. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 17 Oct. 2025

Chase them with a sweet apple crumble or guava and cheese pastry. —Loán Lake, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 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