guarana

noun

gua·​ra·​na ˌgwä-rə-ˈnä How to pronounce guarana (audio)
: a dried paste that is made from the seeds of a South American climbing shrub (Paullinia cupana) of the soapberry family, that contains caffeine and tannin, and that is used as a stimulant
also : this plant

Examples of guarana in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Due to the potent caffeine, those who are pregnant should avoid consuming guarana. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 1 July 2024 The guarana plant contains four times the amount of caffeine as coffee beans. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 1 July 2024 The drink includes multiple sources of caffeine, including coffee and guarana extracts, and a high amount of sugar. Justine McDaniel, Washington Post, 18 Jan. 2024 The formula is enriched with guarana and hydrating cupuacu butter. Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for guarana 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'guarana.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese guaraná, from Nhengatu (Tupi-based lingua franca of Amazonia), from Sateré-Mawé (Tupian language of the middle Amazon River basin) warana

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guarana was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near guarana

Cite this Entry

“Guarana.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guarana. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

guarana

noun
gua·​ra·​na ˌgwär-ə-ˈnä How to pronounce guarana (audio)
: a dried paste made from the seeds of a Brazilian climbing shrub (Paullinia cupana) containing tannin and caffeine and used in making an astringent drink

More from Merriam-Webster on guarana

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!