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

This formula blew our finest-haired editors away for its ability to smooth, hydrate, and protect hair from heat damage with the help of bamboo extract and chia seed extract. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 28 Dec. 2024

Bicycles World's lightest bamboo ebike takes all-in-one approach to commuting Romanian e-mobility startup Diodra is laying claim to making the world's lightest ebike with a bamboo frame. —Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 28 Dec. 2024

In addition to the duck (vit) broth, vermicelli noodles are topped off with shredded duck and earthy, crunchy bamboo shots (mang). —Christina Liao, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2024

For this reason, materials like bamboo, stone, cork, and concrete are expected to continue as top flooring contenders. —Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 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