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

Single bamboo stakes, wooden tomato sticks, or even trimmed tree branches all work well (as do single metal posts). — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2026

The formula also contains 2 percent niacinamide, binchotan white charcoal, bamboo, chickweed herb and witch hazel leaf extract to help soothe irritation, absorb excess oil and support scalp health. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

Switch Your Bedding During summer, switch to breathable, lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, and bamboo that don’t trap heat. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 July 2026

The Katsura-gaki, a hedge at the villa made by weaving hachiku bamboo trees growing from the ground, faces an uncertain future due to abnormal growth. — Hiroshige Yazawa Japan News, Arkansas Online, 19 July 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