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

Experts recommend switching to microplastic-free kitchen utensils made from stainless steel, untreated wood or bamboo. —Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026

Replace plastic cutting boards with solid wood or bamboo boards. —Ryan Brennan may 11, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026

Gonzalez said pollution from manufacturing processes can reduce the benefits of using bamboo. —Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026

The viscose watery essence also delivers a concentrated dose of antioxidant-rich bamboo extract and ginseng, along with hyaluronic acid and glycerin for hydration. —Rosa Jisoo Pyo, Vogue, 8 May 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