Calabash: meaning, definitions and examples

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calabash

[ˈkæləbæʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

dried fruit

A calabash is a dried and hollowed-out gourd used as a container or utensil.

Synonyms

container, gourd, utensil.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
calabash	Use this word to refer specifically to a type of gourd that is often hollowed out and used as a container or utensil. This term is typically used in cultural or traditional contexts, particularly in Africa, the Caribbean, and South America. The traditional instrument was made from a calabash She served the soup in a beautifully carved calabash
gourd	This term refers to the hard-shelled fruit of a plant that can be dried and used as a container, utensil, or decoration. It is often used when discussing gardening, farming, or crafts. She made a birdhouse out of a gourd During the festival, they displayed various types of decorated gourds
container	This word is general and can refer to any object that can hold other items, including bottles, boxes, and jars. It is used in everyday conversations when you do not need to specify the type of container. Please put the leftovers in a container We need a container to store these cookies
utensil	This word is typically used for tools and implements, especially those used for cooking and eating. It covers items like forks, knives, spoons, and sometimes specialized kitchen tools. Don't forget to pack the utensils for the picnic This utensil can be used to peel fruits and vegetables

Examples of usage

The villagers used calabashes to carry water from the river.
She served the soup in a large calabash.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

plant

Calabash can also refer to the tropical American tree that produces large gourds.

Synonyms

crescentia tree, gourd tree.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
calabash	Similar to the first 'calabash' entry, this refers specifically to the gourd fruit itself rather than its use as a container. The calabash was ripe and ready to be harvested. She uses a calabash to carry goods to the market.
gourd tree	Used in more informal or casual contexts when talking about the tree that bears gourd-like fruits. This term might be used in general conversations. He spent the afternoon resting under the shade of the gourd tree. The gourd tree in their backyard is full of fruits.
crescentia tree	Typically used in botanical contexts or discussions about the species of tree that produces calabashes. It references the tree's natural state. The crescentia tree grows well in tropical climates. Botanists studied the growth patterns of the crescentia tree.

Word

Description / Examples

calabash

Similar to the first 'calabash' entry, this refers specifically to the gourd fruit itself rather than its use as a container.

The calabash was ripe and ready to be harvested.
She uses a calabash to carry goods to the market.

gourd tree

Used in more informal or casual contexts when talking about the tree that bears gourd-like fruits. This term might be used in general conversations.

He spent the afternoon resting under the shade of the gourd tree.
The gourd tree in their backyard is full of fruits.

crescentia tree

Typically used in botanical contexts or discussions about the species of tree that produces calabashes. It references the tree's natural state.

The crescentia tree grows well in tropical climates.
Botanists studied the growth patterns of the crescentia tree.

Examples of usage

The calabash tree is known for its large, round fruits.
The calabash tree is often used for making handicrafts.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Spanish 'calabaza,' which originally referred to a type of pumpkin or gourd.
It has roots in African languages, where similar words denote various types of gourds used in daily life.
The term has evolved across cultures, often referring to both the fruit and the craft objects made from it.

Cultural Significance

In many African cultures, calabash is essential for traditional ceremonies, often used as a container for food or drink.
It's prevalent in Caribbean and South American folk art, where craftsmen create beautiful masks and decorative pieces from dried gourds.
The calabash is featured in music, acting as a natural percussion instrument, notably in African drumming traditions.

Botanical Facts

The calabash plant is in the gourd family and is scientifically known as 'Lagenaria siceraria'.
This plant can grow as a vine, producing large fruits that can reach up to 2 feet in length!
It can be found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, thriving in warm climates.

Arts and Crafts

Artists often carve intricate designs into the dried skin of the calabash, turning it into art pieces or musical instruments.
Calabash bowls are popular in many cultures, often used for serving food and drink during communal meals.
The texture of the calabash makes it ideal for painting, as the surface absorbs pigments beautifully.

Health and Nutrition

Calabash fruits can be consumed when young, packed with nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidant properties.
Traditionally, some cultures use calabash in folk medicine, believing it aids in digestion and hydration.
Dried calabash can be used to make herbal teas, combining flavors from various herbs for health benefits.

Translations

Translations of the word "calabash" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cabaça

🇮🇳 लौकी

🇩🇪 Kalebasse

🇮🇩 labu air

🇺🇦 калабаш

🇵🇱 tykwa

🇯🇵 ひょうたん (hyōtan)

🇫🇷 calebasse

🇪🇸 calabaza

🇹🇷 su kabağı

🇰🇷 박 (bak)

🇸🇦 قرعة (qar'a)

🇨🇿 kalabasa

🇸🇰 kalabasa

🇨🇳 葫芦 (húlu)

🇸🇮 buča

🇮🇸 kalabash

🇰🇿 асқабақ (asqabaq)

🇬🇪 კალაბაში (kalabashi)

🇦🇿 qabıq

🇲🇽 calabaza

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,611 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
30608 brigantine
30609 calloused
30610 vaccinate
30611 calabash
30612 polonium
30613 fascicle
30614 endangerment
...