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

It is weighted with glass beads to alleviate stress and anxiety, and premium rayon fabric made from bamboo helps keep you feeling cool. —Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 21 May 2025

The record arrives with a video that finds the rapper miles away from Atlanta, lounging in the sand and sunbathing on a bamboo raft. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2025

For a chance to spot a wild panda, take a trip further out to Wolong Nature Reserve, where visitors can hike among the bamboo in the animals’ native habitat. —Terry Elward, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

To prolong the quality of the tabletop, consider adding coasters like this bamboo set and place mats to prevent stains. —Clint Davis, People.com, 10 May 2025

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