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

Even getting older or well-loved items professionally cleaned—like having a couch shampooed—can make a huge impact. —Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Nov. 2024

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

Noun

At home, use shampoo and conditioner that is specifically made for lightened or color-treated hair so that your Scandinavian hairline keeps its platinum glow. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 19 Dec. 2024

While soap and shampoo don't create dust themselves, their residue creates the perfect sticky place for dust particles to attach to. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 17 Dec. 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