guava

American  

[gwah-vuh] / ˈgwɑ və /

noun

1. any of numerous tropical and subtropical American trees or shrubs belonging to the genus Psidium, of the myrtle family, especially P. guajava, bearing large, yellow, round to pear-shaped fruit, and P. littorale, bearing smaller, yellowish to deep-red, oval fruit.

2. the fruit, used for making jam, jelly, etc.

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guava British  

/ ˈɡwɑːvə /

noun

1. any of various tropical American trees of the myrtaceous genus Psidium, esp P. guajava, grown in tropical regions for their edible fruit

2. the fruit of such a tree, having yellow skin and pink pulp: used to make jellies, jams, etc

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Etymology

Origin of guava

1545–55; < Spanish guayaba < Arawak

Explanation

A guava is a small, sweet tropical fruit. The tree that guavas grow on is also called a guava. Most guavas are green, with slightly bumpy skin, often ripening to a yellow or almost maroon color. Though a guava smells a lot like a lemon, its pale pink flesh and juice are sweet and mild, sometimes described as a cross between a ripe pear and a strawberry. Guavas are native to South America, Central America, and Mexico, and their name comes from an Arawakan word for "guava tree."

Example Sentences

Someone instructs you to tear off pieces and dip them in the accompanying guava and plantain chutneys, silky chickpea curry and punchy pepper jelly, pooled around a peninsula of tangy cultured butter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

“You’ll never see a pineapple or guava cider from Finnriver because they don’t grow in the Pacific Northwest,” said Amanda Oborne, Finnriver’s CEO.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 25, 2025

Outside of Paul Chan’s Silver Lake studio, the rush of L.A. turns tranquil as pineapple guava plants brush against a wall in the warm breeze.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 11, 2025

A classic Dominican pairing of guava and cheese with savory crackers, or gellletas.

From Salon • May 24, 2025

The guava is not quite ripe; the skin is still a dark green.

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago