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

And if the coastal aesthetic speaks to you, try something woven like rattan or bamboo. —Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 2025

For another, the grounds span over three acres with old-growth trees, rose gardens, and a bamboo grove. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2025

My 15-minute ride from the airport zipped past fields of bamboo stalks to Rosewood Miyakojima, flanked by an ocean of distinct blues. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2025

Niagara Sleep Solutions Queen Cooling Mattress Topper Crafted from bamboo viscose, the breathable pad wicks away sweat and moisture and is naturally cooling, adapting to your body temperature to keep you comfortable all night. —Maggie Horton, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Malay bambu

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing bamboo

• bamboo curtain
• bamboo shoots

Rhymes for bamboo

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

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