shampoo

1 of 2

verb

sham·​poo sham-ˈpü 

shampooed; shampooing; shampoos

transitive verb

1

archaic : massage

2

a

: to wash (something, such as hair) with soap and water or with a special preparation

b

: to wash the hair of

shampooer noun

shampoo

2 of 2

noun

plural shampoos

1

: an act or instance of shampooing

2

: a preparation used in shampooing

Examples of shampoo in a Sentence

Verb

She shampoos her hair every morning.

We need to shampoo the rug.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

How to Use a Color Depositing Hair Mask After shampooing, gently pat dry your hair with a towel or T-shirt and then spread the mask evenly over the lengths and ends. — Giulia Lenzi, Vogue, 8 June 2026

Most people benefit from using conditioner after shampooing, Goh says. — Erica Sweeney, Time, 27 May 2026

Noun

This category also encompasses creams or pastes—essentially anything that can be passed through with a butter knife—from common travel necessities like shampoo, face wash, and sunscreen; to toothpaste, hairspray, and even peanut butter. — Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026

The stale odor immediately envelops you, erasing all the pleasant scents of your favorite soap and shampoo. — Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 28 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Hindi & Urdu cā̃po, imperative of cā̃pnā to press, massage

First Known Use

Verb

1762, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shampoo

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

Kids Definition

shampoo

1 of 2 verb

sham·​poo sham-ˈpü 

: to wash (as the hair) with soap and water or with a special preparation

shampooer noun

shampoo

2 of 2 noun

1

: an act or instance of shampooing

2

: a cleaner used in shampooing