Guyana

American  

[gahy-an-uh, -ah-nuh] / gaɪˈæn ə, -ˈɑ nə /

noun

1. an independent republic on the northeastern coast of South America: a former British protectorate; gained independence 1966; member of the Commonwealth of Nations. 82,978 sq. mi. (214,913 sq. km). Georgetown.

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Guyana British  

/ ɡaɪˈænə /

noun

1. Former name (until 1966): British Guiana.  a republic in NE South America, on the Atlantic: colonized chiefly by the Dutch in the 17th and 18th centuries; became a British colony in 1831 and an independent republic within the Commonwealth in 1966. Official language: English. Religions: Christian and Hindu. Currency: dollar. Capital: Georgetown. Pop: 739 903 (2013 est). Area: about 215 000 sq km (83 000 sq miles)

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• Guyanese
  noun

Example Sentences

Brazil produces four times as much oil as Venezuela; and in Guyana, where production began only seven years ago, output almost equals Venezuela’s.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Exxon, he said, is boosting production in the U.S. and Guyana, but the company isn’t deviating from previously set plans.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

California gets crude oil from the Middle East but also from Canada, Argentina and Guyana.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

In December 2024, 21 sloths shipped from Guyana died due to cold conditions at a warehouse in Florida where they were shipped, according to the FWC report.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Surinam, also known as Dutch Guyana, was both beautiful and disturbing to Maria.

From "The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science" by Joyce Sidman