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

Floor #1 is meant to work as a flexible base camp area and comes equipped with a foldaway bamboo worktop/table. — New Atlas, 15 July 2026

The Ravello mirror channels 1960s Palm Beach Regency in a contemporary way, with a hardwood frame made to look like authentic bamboo pieces. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 13 July 2026

This drapey polo, partly made with bamboo viscose, comes from a brand that specializes in sun protective clothing. — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026

Crafted with bamboo melamine, the 18-piece set is lightweight, dishwasher safe, and suitable for indoor or outdoor dining. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 9 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