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

Both were incredible, and that pretty pink guava cake might be my birthday request from now on. —Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025

The bite: The Lam family’s CA Bakehouse in Little Saigon makes the guava and banana mochi cakes ($3.50). —John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2025

The guava cream cheese doughnut is the fan-favorite sweet at brunch and is generously filled, but the pastry was a bit bready. —Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025

Meticulously blended, this wine offers notes of orange blossom, guava and lime zest. —Jeanette Hurt, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

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