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

The space in Room M-150, which was finished this summer, features 20 salon and barber stations, a skin care room, space for pedicures and manicures, and a wash house for shampooing hair, as well as areas for lectures and classroom instruction. —Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025

After the first rinse, shampoo, and condition, skip shampooing for at least 48 hours after coloring to allow everything to settle and last longer. —Essence, 22 July 2025

Noun

Leake says to add some dry shampoo or texture paste on ends—that’s the only time you’re allowed to touch your hair! —Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 25 Aug. 2025

The tennis player explains that the shampoo helps reset the scalp, the conditioner restores strength and softness, the oil supports thinning edges, and the supplement was created to be clean and safe enough for athletes like herself. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 25 Aug. 2025

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