loofah

noun

loo·​fah ˈlü-fə 

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

Each bar has a loofah inside to gently—and sustainably—exfoliate skin while treating it with the ancient beauty ingredient. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

Seraphic Skincare Exfoliating Mitts 20/21 Seraphic Skincare Exfoliating Mitts $17 $13 Amazon Tell them to bid their loofah adieu in favor of Seraphic Skincare Exfoliating Mitts. —Anamaria Glavan, Allure, 5 Oct. 2024

Both the larger caddies and the soap holders are equipped with hooks, which come in handy for hanging loofahs, washcloths, or shower squeegees. —Maggie Horton, Peoplemag, 19 Sep. 2024

These stainless steel double hooks are convenient for hanging towels, robes, washcloths, hair towels, loofahs, or sponges. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin luffa, from Arabic lūf

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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"