an island, belonging to the U.S., in the N Pacific, E of the Philippines: the largest of the Marianas group; U.S. naval station. 206 sq. mi. (535 sq. km).
Capital: Agaña.
Abbreviation: GU (for use with zip code).
Related forms
Guamanian
[gwah-mey-nee-uh n] /gwɑˈmeɪ ni ən/ (Show IPA), noun, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for Guam
Guam
/ɡwɑːm/
noun
1.
an island in the N Pacific, the largest and southernmost of the Marianas: belonged to Spain from the 17th century until 1898, when it was ceded to the US; site of naval and air force bases. Capital: Agana (now officially spelt Hagåtña). Pop: 160 378 (2013 est). Area: 541 sq km (209 sq miles)
Word Origin and History for Guam
from Chamorro Guahan, said to mean literally "what we have."
Guam in Culture
Guam [(gwahm)]
A self-governing island territory of the United States, located in the western Pacific Ocean. With important naval and air bases, Guam is an American military bastion in the Pacific.