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

Shoes are slipped off in corridors before entering the suites, which have simple Japanese names such as Washi (paper), Ishi (stone) and Take (bamboo). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026

The direct-to-consumer retailer’s bamboo sheets are among our favorite sets on the market, and its linen sheets get top marks for that bedding category. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 29 Oct. 2026

It’s made with bamboo beads, salicylic acid, and a hydrating mix of aloe bioferment and hyaluronic acid. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

The buttery-soft bamboo fabric feels breathable all night and has held up beautifully through plenty of washes. — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 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