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

Seeing monkeys, going to a bamboo forest, and visiting another temple with origami cranes in Kyoto were also highlights. —Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Dec. 2024

The set comes with all the essential matcha classics: a bamboo whisk, tea scoop, handmade whisking bowl, and a tin of ceremonial-grade organic matcha. —Andrew Watman, WIRED, 5 Dec. 2024

With powerful 180° sound, the speaker sits directly under the bamboo shade, which provides a warm glow. —The Week Uk, theweek, 5 Dec. 2024

Furnishings-wise, the couple mostly stuck to a blue-and-white color palette, embellished with rattan and bamboo pieces that play up the lush resort vibe. —Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Malay bambu

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing bamboo

• bamboo curtain
• bamboo shoots

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