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

Learn to surf or body-board together at Boston Beach, glide down the Rio Grande on a bamboo raft, or explore Reach Falls. —Essence, 29 Jan. 2025

Materials like paper and bamboo have been replaced by cheap wire frames, plastic and synthetic fabrics, said Zhang, who grew up in a rural area of China’s Shandong province but is now based in Chengdu, one of the country’s largest metropolises in the southwest. —Oscar Holland, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025

There was plenty to see: Bao Li scarfed down bamboo and played with an inner tube, keeping it in the air with his front and back legs. —Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025

This could include rattan furniture, bamboo blinds, and a chunky knit throw blanket. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2025

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