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

Wrap the free ends of the wire around both the bamboo stakes and the trellis, keeping the distance from the wall consistent on each side. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025

The leakproof lid is topped with bamboo to round out the sustainable look and feel of the bottle. —Clay Abney, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2025

The studio has also introduced a cash-for-shelter scheme, that supports families who wish to upgrade their existing bamboo houses with stronger frames and safer roofing systems. —New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2025

During most of the growing season, the tea plants are covered with bamboo mats to shield them from sunlight. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 19 Oct. 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