bamboo

noun

bam·​boo (ˌ)bam-ˈbü  ˈbam-ˌ 

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 bamboo fiber ensures that these eco-friendly plates are safe for the environment, while the shatterproof design keeps them intact for seasons to come. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2024

The brand is known for making bamboo clothing and underwear, but what exactly does that mean? —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 17 June 2024

Memories of peace lilies and bamboo plants, cigarette stubs and photographs of Peruvian friends, indigenous artwork, and hundreds of vinyl albums that were scratched up by our old cat Lulu. —Quetzal Maucci, TIME, 17 June 2024

Touch Tank: Visitors can touch sturgeon, stingrays and bamboo sharks. —Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 17 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Malay bambu

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing bamboo

• bamboo curtain
• bamboo shoots

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