shampoo

1 of 2

verb

sham·​poo sham-ˈpü 

shampooed; shampooing; shampoos

transitive verb

1

archaic : massage

2

a

: to wash (something, such as hair) with soap and water or with a special preparation

b

: to wash the hair of

shampooer noun

shampoo

2 of 2

noun

plural shampoos

1

: an act or instance of shampooing

2

: a preparation used in shampooing

Examples of shampoo in a Sentence

Verb

She shampoos her hair every morning.

We need to shampoo the rug.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Before shampooing, apply this lightweight gel-cream formula to wet hair in sections before adding water and massaging thoroughly—this way, your actual shampoo can perform better and cleanse more effectively. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 22 Feb. 2026

Hair and body wash: Combine one tablespoon of liquid Castile soap with one cup of warm water for bathing or shampooing hair. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 18 Feb. 2026

Noun

Start with a moisturizing, sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner to lock in moisture. —Grace McCarty, Glamour, 20 Mar. 2026

Nationally, and here in the Ocean State, it is estimated that one in three low-income families struggle to afford basic hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes, and personal care items. —John Garrahan, The Providence Journal, 19 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Hindi & Urdu cā̃po, imperative of cā̃pnā to press, massage

First Known Use

Verb

1762, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shampoo

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

shampoo

1 of 2 verb

sham·​poo sham-ˈpü 

: to wash (as the hair) with soap and water or with a special preparation

shampooer noun

shampoo

2 of 2 noun

1

: an act or instance of shampooing

2

: a cleaner used in shampooing