Pronunciation: [ʃˈiːʃə] (IPA) 
The word "sheesha" refers to a Middle Eastern waterpipe used for smoking flavored tobacco. Its spelling can be confusing, as it can also be written as "shisha" or "hookah" in some contexts. The correct pronunciation is /ˈʃiːʃə/, with a long "e" sound in the first syllable and a schwa sound in the second. The "sh" sound is essential to the word's pronunciation and distinguishes it from other similar-sounding words.
Sheesha, also spelled shisha, is a noun that refers to a device used for smoking flavored tobacco in which the smoke is drawn through a water-filled bowl and a long tube. This term commonly refers to a traditional Middle Eastern smoking apparatus, also known as a hookah or water pipe.
The word "sheesha" originally comes from the Persian term "shīsheh," meaning glass. This aptly describes the material used in the construction of the apparatus, as the hookah typically consists of a glass base or bowl attached to a metal or wooden stem. A clay or metal bowl, often covered with perforated foil, is placed atop the stem, containing the flavored tobacco known as shisha or maassel.
To smoke sheesha, a piece of hot charcoal is usually placed on top of the foil, gradually heating the tobacco within the bowl. The smoke generated is pulled through the water-filled base by the user inhaling through a flexible hose or tube attached to the stem. The water performs the function of cooling the smoke, resulting in a smoother and less harsh inhalation experience for the smoker.
Sheesha has gained popularity worldwide and is commonly associated with social gatherings. It is a central aspect of Middle Eastern and North African cultures and is often enjoyed in cafes and lounges. It has become a symbol of relaxation, leisure, and camaraderie within these communities, as people gather around the hookah, taking turns inhaling the aromatic and flavorful smoke produced by the shisha tobacco.
The word "sheesha" is derived from the Persian word "shīsheh", which means "glass". It refers to the popular Middle Eastern smoking device known as a hookah or waterpipe. In Persian, "shīsheh" specifically refers to the glass base of the hookah, where water is filled to cool and filter the smoke. Over time, the term "sheesha" has been adopted and is commonly used in English and various other languages to describe the entire hookah apparatus or the flavored tobacco smoked through it.
