bamboo

noun

bam·​boo (ˌ)bam-ˈbü  ˈbam-ˌbü 

plural bamboos

often attributive

: any of various woody or arborescent grasses (as of the genera Bambusa, Arundinaria, and Dendrocalamus of the subfamily Bambusoideae) of tropical and temperate regions having hollow stems, thick rhizomes, and shoots that are used for food

also : the jointed stem of bamboo used especially for building, furniture, and utensils

Illustration of bamboo

Examples of bamboo in a Sentence

Bamboo grows in the grove near the house.

We cut down some bamboos.

Recent Examples on the Web

Roots with buds for bamboo are often well under ground and may have escaped damage the fire. —Tom MacKlin, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026

Monster bamboo, bougainvillea, and banana plants crashed in from the roadside; a tin roof sagged under the weight of a gaggle of marabou storks; baboons plundered trash cans at a highway intersection. —Flora Stubbs, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026

How fitting to find this set, which features high-shine gold leaf and fiery red ombré, alongside lantern and bamboo motifs. —Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026

Most sateen sheets are made of cotton, but for those who seek an extra-silky-smooth feel, look no further than Ettitude sheets in organic bamboo lyocell. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 7 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Malay bambu

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing bamboo

• bamboo curtain
• bamboo shoots

Rhymes for bamboo

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• beaucoup
• bijou
• breakthrough

Kids Definition

bamboo

noun

bam·​boo bam-ˈbü 

plural bamboos

: any of various chiefly tropical tall woody grasses including some with strong hollow stems used for building, furniture, or utensils

also : the strong woody stem of bamboo

bamboo adjective