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 nourishing spray uses rice, grape, raspberry, and bamboo waters, as well as softening glycerin, moisturizing shea butter, and film-forming polysaccharides, that, when blended all together, bring hair back to its best condition. —Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025

Made of bamboo and a four-claw steelhead design, this stand-up tool expertly expunges weeds by the root and completely eliminates the need to bend, pull, or kneel. —Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2025

Her look was a human-sized recreation of the hyper-popular doll complete with a bamboo-style hat and a bag made to look like a Chinese takeout carton. —Mikelle Street, Them., 14 Sep. 2025

Quince Bamboo Sheet Set Crafted from 100% viscose derived from bamboo, the sheets are naturally moisture-wicking and feel cool to the touch—perfect for transitional weather. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 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