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

Apple Basket Many products in the collection also feature an apple motif, including a charming pillow and even a wooden salt cellar and doormat, but we’re most intrigued by the bamboo and rattan apple basket. —Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2026

These are not eucalyptus sheets, but the Ettitude Signature bamboo sheets are made with Bamboo lyocell, which is the same processing used in eucalyptus bedding and Ettitude uses organic solvents. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 10 Apr. 2026

As investigators searched the area with the bamboo again, Horner smoked cigarettes and seemed relaxed, making small talk about his favorite foods, work schedules and the weather. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026

Material When shopping for cool bedding, materials such as 100% cotton, linen, rayon and bamboo that are lightweight and breathable for summer are optimal. —Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 8 Apr. 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