guava: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral; common in everyday, culinary, and botanical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “guava” mean?
A tropical fruit with green or yellow skin and sweet, pink or white flesh.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tropical fruit with green or yellow skin and sweet, pink or white flesh.
The small tropical tree (genus Psidium) that produces this fruit; can also refer to the flavor or products (e.g., juice, jam) derived from it.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The fruit is equally known in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes tropical climates, health (high in vitamin C), and sometimes exoticism.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to greater cultivation and proximity in regions like Florida and Hawaii.
Grammar
How to Use “guava” in a Sentence
eat [a guava]peel [the guava]make [jam] from [guavas]plant [a guava tree]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “guava” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The guava jelly had a distinct, musky sweetness.
American English
- This guava smoothie is perfectly refreshing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in import/export, agricultural, and food manufacturing sectors.
Academic
Used in botany, horticulture, and nutritional science texts.
Everyday
Common in conversations about fruit, shopping, cooking, and health.
Technical
Specific to taxonomy (Psidium guajava), cultivars, and phytochemistry.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “guava”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈɡʌ.və/ or /ˈɡwæ.və/.
- Treating as an uncountable noun only (e.g., 'I ate some guava' is acceptable for pulp, but for whole fruit, 'a guava' is standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Botanically, yes. The guava is classified as a berry, specifically a type of fleshy fruit from a single ovary with multiple seeds.
Yes, the small, hard seeds in the centre are edible, though some people prefer to strain them out for a smoother texture in juices or purees.
The flavour is unique, often described as a sweet cross between a pear and a strawberry, with a slightly musky, tropical fragrance.
Guava is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America, but is now cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
A tropical fruit with green or yellow skin and sweet, pink or white flesh.
Guava is usually neutral; common in everyday, culinary, and botanical contexts. in register.
Guava: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡwɑː.və/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡwɑː.və/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As rare as a ripe guava in December (implies something uncommon out of season).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GUAVA: GUArd your VItamin A & C – this fruit is full of them!
Conceptual Metaphor
GUAVA IS A TROPICAL TREASURE (associated with abundance, exotic delight, and natural wealth).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary botanical genus for the common guava?