guano

noun

gua·​no ˈgwä-(ˌ)nō How to pronounce guano (audio)
Synonyms of guanonext
: a fertilizer containing the accumulated excrement of seabirds or bats
broadly : excrement especially of seabirds or bats

Examples of guano in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Their guano is mined from caves for fertilizer. — The Conversation, Fortune, 14 May 2026 The lice live in dry caves and feed predominantly on bat guano. — Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 Mouse poop is usually left in a trail along the rodent's path, while guano is found in piles under roosting spots. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 Over thousands of years their guano enriches the soil with nutrients, nourishing roots and native plants. — Bill Frist, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for guano

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Quechua wanu fertilizer, dung

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guano was in 1604

Rhymes for guano

See All Rhymes for guano

Browse Nearby Words

guanine
guano
guanophore
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Guano.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guano. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

guano

noun
gua·​no ˈgwän-ō How to pronounce guano (audio)
: a substance composed chiefly of the excrement of seabirds or bats and used as a fertilizer

More from Merriam-Webster on guano

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for guano

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about guano

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