loofah

noun

loo·​fah ˈlü-fə How to pronounce loofah (audio)
variants or luffa
1
: any of a genus (Luffa) of Old World tropical plants of the gourd family with white to yellow flowers and large usually elongate fruits that are sometimes eaten as vegetables when immature
also : the fruit of a loofah
2
: a sponge consisting of the fibrous interior of the mature dried fruit of a loofah (especially Luffa aegyptiaca synonym L. cylindrica)

Examples of loofah 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.
Natural loofahs should be replaced after three or four weeks, while those plastic ones can last up to two months. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2025 The brand recommends applying this stuff using an exfoliating assist from a loofah, sponge, or washcloth. Deanna Pai, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024 Plus, as opposed to sponges or loofahs, the surfaces of the hands aren’t prone to breeding microorganisms. Jenny Berg, Allure, 23 Dec. 2024 Dermatologists offer surprising advice on how often to shower, when to toss your loofah and more. 5. Malaka Gharib, NPR, 16 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for loofah

Word History

Etymology

New Latin luffa, from Arabic lūf

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of loofah was in 1887

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Cite this Entry

“Loofah.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loofah. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

loofah

noun
loof·​ah
variants also luffa
ˈlü-fə
: any of various Old World tropical plants of the gourd family with large fruits
also : a sponge consisting of the fiber-containing skeleton of its fruit
Etymology

derived from Arabic lūf "loofah"

More from Merriam-Webster on loofah

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