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

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Despite its rich blend of nourishing oils—safflower, jojoba seed, lavender, and rosemary, to name a few—this lightweight serum absorbs quickly, leaving your skin moisturized without a hint of greasiness. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 17 Jan. 2025 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 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 27 Jan. 2025.

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