shadoof

noun

sha·doof shə-ˈdüf

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

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Browse Nearby Words

shading coil

shadoof

shadow

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Shadoof.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shadoof. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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