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

Scorched bamboo shelves are always at the top of Bloch-Neal’s list. — Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 10 Aug. 2026

Outside, stately lion statues surround the pool, while Chippendale-style faux-bamboo chairs bring a relaxed touch to the covered outdoor dining area. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2026

This set comes with four chairs made from bamboo that have a natural, rustic-looking finish. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026

At Hoshinoya Tokyo, a contemporary ryokan in central Tokyo, omotenashi begins at the genkan, the entryway where guests slip off their shoes upon arrival and staff tuck them into bamboo boxes. — Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 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