A hookah, also known as a water pipe, is a device used for smoking flavored tobacco, called shisha. It consists of a bowl for the tobacco, a water chamber, and a long hose through which the smoke is inhaled. The smoke passes through the water, which cools and filters it before reaching the user. Hookahs are often used in social settings, where people gather to enjoy the experience together. They come in various sizes and designs, and the tobacco can be mixed with different flavors, making it popular among many cultures, especially in the Middle East and South Asia.