bamboo

noun, often attributive bam·boo \ (ˌ)bam-ˈbü , ˈbam-ˌ \

Updated on: 15 Apr 2018

Definition of bamboo

plural bamboos

: 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

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Examples of bamboo in a Sentence

Bamboo grows in the grove near the house.
We cut down some bamboos.

Recent Examples of bamboo from the Web

Let your eye be carried skyward as if on a thermal current, up a canyonlike atrium walled by bamboo and books and great inkblot-shaped windows.

— justin davidson, Daily Intelligencer, "How Can It Take 15 Years and $32 Million to Build a Neighborhood Library?," 29 Mar. 2018
Rounding out the home is a walk-out basement—also with a stone fireplace—with direct access to the landscaped grounds filled with perennials, evergreens, and bamboo.

— lauren ro, Curbed, "Charming ’50s home with contemporary upgrades wants $1.4M," 28 Mar. 2018
These are a stylish and convenient way to hydrate more eco-consciously, as the bottle is made from BPA-free, shatterproof glass and bamboo.

— banu ibrahim, CNN Underscored, "7 simple swaps could help save the environment," 2 Apr. 2018
Prior to the cross nailings, dozens of male penitents walked several kilometers (miles) along village streets while beating their bare backs with sharp bamboo sticks and pieces of wood.

— Time, "Catholic Devotees Were Nailed to Crosses for Good Friday in the Philippines," 30 Mar. 2018
Prior to the cross nailings, dozens of male penitents walked several kilometers (miles) along village streets while beating their bare backs with sharp bamboo sticks and pieces of wood.

— aaron favila, chicagotribune.com, "Filipino devotees being nailed to crosses on Good Friday becomes tourist attraction," 30 Mar. 2018
Prior to the crucifixions, dozens of male penitents walked several kilometers (miles) through village streets, beating their bare backs with sharp bamboo sticks and pieces of wood.

— Washington Post, "Devotees reenact Good Friday crucifixions in Philippines," 30 Mar. 2018
Jellies — big ones, little ones, and all shapes and colors — glow like gems inside this gallery and studio, filling a rustic bungalow fronted by a bamboo grove.

— harriot manley, San Francisco Chronicle, "Butte County artists putting their visions into glass," 16 Mar. 2018
The getaway included strolls through a bamboo grove, exploring Kyoto and Tokyo, and satisfying noodle cravings.

— grace gavilanes, PEOPLE.com, "From Sightseeing in Tokyo to a Spa Day in Sante Fe: How Pregnant Celebs Are Spending Their Babymoons," 6 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bamboo.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of bamboo

Origin and Etymology of bamboo

Malay bambu

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First Known Use: 1586

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BAMBOO Defined for English Language Learners

bamboo

noun

Definition of bamboo for English Language Learners

: a tall plant with hard hollow stems that are used for building and to make furniture, tools, etc.

BAMBOO Defined for Kids

bamboo

noun bam·boo \ bam-ˈbü \

Definition of bamboo for Students

: a tall treelike tropical grass with a hard hollow jointed stem that is used in making furniture and in building

Learn More about bamboo

See words that rhyme with bamboo Spanish Central: Translation of bamboo Nglish: Translation of bamboo for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bamboo

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