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

Create privacy on a small patio or terrace with a sustainable and budget-friendly bamboo privacy screen. —Jenny Hughes, The Spruce, 25 May 2026

For more casual spaces, LeRoy prefers wicker, bamboo, and rattan pieces. —Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 24 May 2026

Choose between durable stainless steel, easy-to-clean plastic, or eco-friendly bamboo. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 24 May 2026

Swap your cutting board for this bamboo cutting board set, which includes a defrosting tray, all for just $14. —Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 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