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

Expect leather benches, custom drapery, rattan rocking chairs, and oversize armoires that discreetly conceal the tile-and-marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and bamboo shades. —AFAR Media, 30 Dec. 2025

Opt for environmentally friendly and septic-safe options, such as those made from recycled materials or sustainable bamboo and sugarcane, to minimize your carbon footprint. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Dec. 2025

Lunation features five specialized layers—including a ginger fiber layer and a bamboo fiber layer—to hold three tampons’ worth of protection. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 26 Dec. 2025

Hong Kong’s leaders might decide to get rid of bamboo scaffolding. —Timothy McLaughlin, The Atlantic, 13 Dec. 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