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

Upstairs, corridors wrap around a striking double-height bamboo atrium—real moso bamboo is planted at the building's core. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026

Rattan is a material used in wicker weaving, as are bamboo, willow, reed, and synthetic materials such as resin and plastic. —Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026

The mattress is constructed from bamboo memory foam with five distinct layers that adapt and mold to your body shape, resulting in a sleep experience that is both very supportive and pleasantly soft. —Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 27 Feb. 2026

This eco-friendly bamboo house—close to both of the surf spots mentioned above—is just minutes from the beaches of Aguadilla’s west coast. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 Feb. 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