shea butter

noun

ˈshē- How to pronounce shea butter (audio)
ˈshā-
: a pale solid fat from the seeds of the shea tree used in food, soap, and candles

Examples of shea butter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Not nearly as greasy as a true balm, but richer than your typical face cream, this drugstore darling instantly soothes dry, chapped skin with the help of emollient shea butter, moisturizing vitamin B5, and calming madecassoside (a derivative of our fave, Centella asiastica, or cica for short). Lily Wohlner, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025 Via a berry fruit complex, vitamin C, coconut oil, shea butter, and murumuru seed butter, this has all the makings of a restorative, dryness-busting lip treatment. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025 Start by gathering a soap base (either goats milk or shea butter works), yellow and red soap colorant, fall-scented fragrance oil, silicone soap mold, measuring cups, and 99% isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle. Ellen Sturm Niz, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025 This luscious lip mask will keep your lips soft all season long thanks to hydrating and nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and squalane. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shea butter

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shea butter was in 1847

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Cite this Entry

“Shea butter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shea%20butter. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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