shadoof

noun

sha·​doof shə-ˈdüf How to pronounce shadoof (audio)
sha-
variants or less commonly shaduf
: a counterbalanced sweep used since ancient times especially in Egypt for raising water (as for irrigation)

Word History

Etymology

Arabic shādūf

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shadoof was in 1836

Dictionary Entries Near shadoof

Cite this Entry

“Shadoof.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shadoof. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on shadoof

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!