jojoba

noun

jo·​jo·​ba hə-ˈhō-bə How to pronounce jojoba (audio)
: a shrub or small tree (Simmondsia chinensis synonym S. californica) of the box family of southwestern North America with edible seeds that yield a valuable liquid wax used especially in cosmetics

Examples of jojoba in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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It’s also got glycerin and jojoba esters to keep skin hydrated. Venus Wong, refinery29.com, 20 Dec. 2024 This four-piece kit features four of the brand’s top sellers, a standout of which is the cleansing oil—a lightweight formula packed with jojoba, safflower, and apricot kernel oil for hydration, plus green tea extract to soothe irritation, and ginseng and licorice extract for brightening. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Dec. 2024 There's vitamin E and a boatload of oils (apricot, primrose, jojoba, and more) for long-lasting-as-heck moisture. Sarah Han, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024 This Hand Lotion Is Influencer-Approved With unique ingredients like avocado and jojoba, this hand lotion serves as an elegant yet affordable option for the holidays. Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for jojoba 

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, of Uto-Aztecan origin; akin to O'odham hohowai jojoba, Yaqui hohoovam

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jojoba was in 1900

Dictionary Entries Near jojoba

Cite this Entry

“Jojoba.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jojoba. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

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