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

After shampooing, Bataille suggests applying the deep conditioner to damp hair, concentrating on the mid-lengths and ends. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2024

On the other side of the coin, some people shampoo their hair in the shower every single day. —Megan Decker, refinery29.com, 5 Jan. 2024

Noun

Beauty favorites Briogeo: Save 30% off sitewide, including best-selling hair oils, shampoos and conditioners, masks, and more. —Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Nov. 2024

Stow Away a Small-Things Bag Go to a drugstore and stock up on essentials: shampoo, toothpaste, Advil, lip balm, deodorant. —David Pierce, WIRED, 23 Nov. 2024

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

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