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

Its treatment rooms are pin-drop quiet, the enormous indoor pool is heated, and the entire scene is framed under a bamboo crosshatch roof that Japanese craftsmen imported and reassembled in a painstaking homage to ancient bathing ceremonies. —Vogue, 3 June 2025

Chef Nobu was among the first in the West to serve premium sake cold, in bamboo pitchers, at a time when warm sake was the norm. —Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025

The bamboo bag is iconic to the brand, making its first appearance in 1947, and has since been through many eras of its own. —Rachel Flynn, People.com, 2 June 2025

Baker says this bamboo set is great for people like her who crave something cool-to-the-touch without sacrificing style. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 31 May 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