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

Dinner that night was in a guava orchard with fragrant blooms under a rising full moon. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026

Her tequilas are featured in many of the restaurant’s signature cocktails, including a take on a Paloma, and the Dragones Rosa, with Casa Dragones Blanco tequila, Bianco vermouth, tomato, guava and lime. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026

In a small saucepan, combine the guava marmalade, pineapple juice, brown sugar if using, and a pinch of salt, and warm until smooth and glossy. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026

Given the collection's tropical theme, this particular iteration features notes of pineapple, guava, hibiscus, and other island aromas. —Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 31 Mar. 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
• 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