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

Kids will create origami figures, write wishes on them and hang them on bamboo. — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 30 June 2026

Resting options include double bunk beds in back and queen bed with bamboo mattress up front. — Kris Millgate, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Jade also has a complete ceremony set—bamboo whisk and scoop, porcelain bowl and whisk holder, and a stainless-steel sifter—marked down as well. — Melissa Knific, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 June 2026

Invasive Plants Speaking of privacy screens, invasive plants like bamboo are a no-no. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 June 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