calabash

noun

cal·​a·​bash ˈka-lə-ˌbash 

1

: a tropical American tree (Crescentia cujete) of the bignonia family

also : its large hard-shelled globose fruit

2

: gourd

especially : one whose hard shell is used for a utensil

3

: a utensil (such as a bottle or dipper) made from the shell of a calabash

Examples of calabash in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Considering the remote location, the camp’s range of wellness treatments is impressive, from rose-clay exfoliation wraps to full manis and pedis to massages with Namibian calabash gourds. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

Readers everywhere recognize the intrepid sleuth’s deerstalker hat, Inverness cape, calabash pipe, and magnifying glass. — Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

That owes much to guests such as Shahzad Ismaily, Laurie Anderson, Leo Abrahams, and musicians from Mali playing instruments such as the ngoni, calabash, and yabara. — Stephen Humphries, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026

The calabash of poi is always full; there is also meat; water in quantity, coffee and bread sometimes, wine or beer never. — Literary Hub, 20 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

French & Spanish; French calebasse gourd, from Spanish calabaza

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for calabash

• ash
• bash
• brash
• cache
• cash
• clash
• crash
• dash
• flash
• gash
• hash
• lash

Kids Definition

calabash

noun

cal·​a·​bash ˈkal-ə-ˌbash 

: gourd sense 2

especially : one whose hard shell is used for a utensil (as a bottle)