Search Dictionary
Definition of guano

guano

/ˈɡwɑː.noʊ/
gua · no
Plural:guanos
JUMP TO:

guano Lexical Profile

guano Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The accumulated excrement of seabirds or bats, rich in nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium, and widely used as an agricultural fertilizer.

Example

"In the nineteenth century, coastal islands off Peru were extensively mined for guano to supply European and North American farms."

2

An artificial fertilizer of similar composition, especially one manufactured from fish.

Example

"The coastal processing plant converted unsold fish scraps into commercial guano for local agricultural use."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for guano

• Rhymes for guano

• Nearby Words

guanaco
guanciale
guangzhou
guano
guapore
guaporé
guar

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Spanish guano, itself derived from Quechua wanu, meaning 'dung' or 'fertilizer', historically harvested by Indigenous peoples along the Andean coast.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Guano. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/guano
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.