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

The study centers around bamboo shoots — the edible new growth of bamboo plants that have long been eaten in East Asia. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026

Liao often draws on savory flavors from her Chinese background when creating recipes like her bamboo toasted rice ice cream. —Charlie Kolodziej, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Jan. 2026

The bamboo is incredibly light to the touch and feels silky, but not in a slippery way. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 23 Jan. 2026

Traditional Japanese yakitori calls for spearing chicken seasoned with salt or a soy basting sauce onto bamboo skewers and grilling them over charcoal. —Saveur Editors, Saveur, 22 Jan. 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