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

Most people benefit from using conditioner after shampooing, Goh says. —Erica Sweeney, Time, 27 May 2026

The shop offers a full menu of services, including men's and children's haircuts, beard trims, lineups, shampooing, and hair coloring. —Justin Adams, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026

Noun

In the confusion, Paula is able to subdue Sky by nailing his hand to the ground and then sprays Ashley in the face with the dry shampoo before fleeing the scene. —Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 June 2026

Your oil of choice acts as a protective barrier, helping prevent shampoos from stripping away natural moisture while also minimizing protein loss. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 June 2026

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

Rhymes for shampoo

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

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