guanabana: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Scientific; Informal in regions where the fruit is common.
Quick answer
What does “guanabana” mean?
A large, tropical fruit with spiky green skin, white, fibrous, tart-sweet flesh, and black seeds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, tropical fruit with spiky green skin, white, fibrous, tart-sweet flesh, and black seeds.
The evergreen tree (Annona muricata) on which this fruit grows, native to tropical regions of the Americas.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally rare in both varieties. It is a borrowed Spanish term with no established anglicised spelling variant.
Connotations
In both regions, it carries connotations of exoticism, tropical climates, and health foods.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general English. Higher frequency in texts related to tropical botany, cuisine, or alternative medicine.
Grammar
How to Use “guanabana” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] guanabana [VERB]...We ate/drank [QUANTIFIER] guanabana.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “guanabana” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not commonly used as an adjective]
American English
- [Not commonly used as an adjective]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in import/export, health food, and beverage industries.
Academic
Used in botany, horticulture, and ethnopharmacology.
Everyday
Used in cooking, smoothie recipes, or travel discussions.
Technical
Used in agricultural and phytochemical research.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “guanabana”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “guanabana”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “guanabana”
- Misspelling as 'guabanana', 'guanabanna'. Incorrectly classifying it as a citrus fruit.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'guanabana' and 'soursop' refer to the same fruit (Annona muricata). 'Guanabana' is the Spanish-derived name, while 'soursop' is the English common name.
It has a unique flavour often described as a combination of strawberry, pineapple, and citrus, with a creamy, banana-like texture.
It is native to tropical regions of the Americas and the Caribbean and is now cultivated in other tropical areas worldwide, including Southeast Asia and Africa.
No, the black seeds of the guanabana are inedible and should not be consumed. They are typically removed before eating the pulp.
A large, tropical fruit with spiky green skin, white, fibrous, tart-sweet flesh, and black seeds.
Guanabana is usually formal/scientific; informal in regions where the fruit is common. in register.
Guanabana: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡwɑːnəˈbɑːnə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡwɑnəˈbɑnə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"GUANAbaNA" sounds like a rhythmic name. Think: "One for GUANA, one for BANA" as you share the large fruit.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXOTIC DELICACY IS A TREASURE (e.g., 'discovering the guanabana', 'prized guanabana').
Practice
Quiz
What is another common name for the guanabana fruit?