shampoo

1 of 2

noun

sham·​poo sham-ˈpü 

plural shampoos

1

: a preparation used in shampooing

2

: an act or instance of shampooing

shampoo

2 of 2

verb

shampooed; shampooing; shampoos

transitive verb

1

a

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

b

: to wash the hair of

2

archaic : massage

shampooer noun

Examples of shampoo in a Sentence

Verb

She shampoos her hair every morning.

We need to shampoo the rug.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Her go-to products include Pipette baby shampoo and Tubby Todd All Over Ointment. — Faye Brookman, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026

Make sure to talk with your doctor about the best way to use these shampoos with your hairstyle. — Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026

Verb

How to Use a Color Depositing Hair Mask After shampooing, gently pat dry your hair with a towel or T-shirt and then spread the mask evenly over the lengths and ends. — Giulia Lenzi, Vogue, 8 June 2026

Following up shampoo with conditioner is an important step for restoring moisture to hair after shampooing. — William Jones, Ascend Agency, 28 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Noun

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1762, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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