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

At the end of two years, the bamboo charcoal can be recycled into your garden. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026

Sandoval provided a blanket and a bamboo cradle to hold the bones. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026

Across the aisle, the Kimbo 8 further shines in offering a long, spacious kitchen area with an available rectangular sink, available one-touch faucet and bamboo worktop. —New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2026

The space has real books to read and places to lounge within a small bamboo forest, making for an ideal spot to unwind or chill away from the stages. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 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