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

To start, Boeuf Bourguignon Tacos are a must, as are the Duck Croquettes with a guava and chipotle chutney. — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Refrigerators were packed with jars of pickled chiles, ginger, garlic, and guava. — Alicia Erickson, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026

The breakfast buffet features Japanese items like vegetable curry, onsen eggs, natto and miso soup, along with fluffy taro pancakes topped with coconut or guava syrup, quiches and local fruits. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 3 Aug. 2026

Ways to Enjoy Guava Enjoying guava fruit fresh is just the beginning. — Su-Jit Lin, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 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
• flava
• 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