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

It’s filled with a goat-cheese sauce and crowned with guava and grated llanero cheese. — Sarah Moreno updated July 18, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026

Regularly incorporating guava into your diet is an excellent way to boost your fiber intake and enhance your overall health and wellness. — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 13 July 2026

The cinnamon sugar and lemon honey donuts are also popular picks, along with rotating specialty flavors like guava and cream cheese (filled). — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026

On one side are the demonstrably sauvignon blanc-y sauvignon blancs, practically slapping you in the face with grapefruit, guava, and grass. — Devin Parr, Forbes.com, 30 June 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