loofah

noun

loo·​fah ˈlü-fə How to pronounce loofah (audio)
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 elongated 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
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.
Bacteria can also eat the skin cells or soap left on the loofah. — Colleen Murphy, Health, 27 May 2026 In lieu of a loofah, Campbell packs an African net sponge inside her toiletry bag. — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2026 Hang towels, bath mats, and washcloths, loofahs, or sponges to air-dry thoroughly after each use since damp towels can encourage mold growth. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 June 2026 Bathrooms are coated with marble and feature a tub and shower, both stocked with Diptyque toiletries in pump bottles and bath salts with loofahs. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for loofah

Word History

Etymology

New Latin luffa, from Arabic lūf

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of loofah was in 1887

Rhymes for loofah

See All Rhymes for loofah

Browse Nearby Words

loof
loofah
loogie
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loofah.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loofah. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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"

More from Merriam-Webster on loofah

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about loofah

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