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
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The conditioner is also infused with hydrating ingredients that can contribute to more supple-looking strands, including jojoba oil, coconut oil, and argan oil. Jessie Quinn, Glamour, 11 June 2025 The 2024 Best of Beauty-winning Rosemary Hair Duo has our hearts for its breakage-reducing peptide and ceramide formula, plant proteins (from rice, jojoba, quinoa, potato, and pea, to be exact) married with one of the most divine scents available. Annie Blackman, Allure, 25 May 2025 The mists — at $26 each — are made with completely natural fragrances and infused with argan oil, jojoba and a milky blend to lock in moisture and help the scents last longer. Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 12 May 2025 Lips can get a bit of color too, via RMS Beauty’s Legendary Lip Oil packed with adaptogenic herbs, jojoba oil, vanilla extract, and bitter cherry seed oil to condition the pout. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Jojoba.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jojoba. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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