soapberry

noun

soap·​ber·​ry ˈsōp-ˌber-ē How to pronounce soapberry (audio)
: any of a genus (Sapindus of the family Sapindaceae, the soapberry family) of chiefly tropical woody plants
also : the fruit of a soapberry and especially of a tree (S. saponaria) that is saponin-rich and used as a soap substitute

Examples of soapberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Important summertime food sources include cow-parsnip, soapberries, huckleberries, and blueberries. Travis Hall, Field & Stream, 13 July 2023 This unique natural cleaning agent uses the strength and gentleness of soapberries to give you beautifully clean clothes without any harsh or dangerous chemicals. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 8 Apr. 2023 The oil-to-foam cleanser claims to remove any makeup and dirt without drying out the skin using soapberry extract. Jessica Kasparian, USA TODAY, 2 Apr. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'soapberry.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of soapberry was in 1693

Dictionary Entries Near soapberry

Cite this Entry

“Soapberry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soapberry. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

soapberry

noun
soap·​ber·​ry ˈsōp-ˌber-ē How to pronounce soapberry (audio)
: any of a genus of mostly tropical woody plants
also : the fruit of a soapberry that is sometimes used as a substitute for soap

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