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 sprawling resort just outside Providenciales channels the brand’s Asian roots in its tranquil structures, heavy on timbers and bamboo, as well as its signature spa. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026

Plastic boards shed microplastics and bamboo options get moldy or even splinter over time. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2026

Citizenry provides the rose sheets, 2Modern sells his bedside Verpan lamp, and these Roman bamboo shades from Amazon will do the trick. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2026

Clumping bamboo varieties are much easier to control than running varieties. —Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 11 Mar. 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