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 Both products are made with heavy oils: castor and jojoba are just a few. Celeste Polanco, Essence, 20 May 2024 The combination of jojoba seed oil and keratin works to revive the nails to prevent any breakage or splitting. Kayla Hui, Mph, Verywell Health, 13 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for jojoba 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'jojoba.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 1 Jun. 2024.

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