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, apply it to wet hair—then wait a minute and rinse it out. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 31 Dec. 2024

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

Noun

For fans of staying in trendy NYC hotels, typically stocked with teensy Le Labo shampoos and shower gels in bestselling scents like Noir 29 or Matcha 26, this signals an end to the era of swiping said bottles and continuing to use them at home. —Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 8 Jan. 2025

Rihanna also shared a video of herself goofing off with a friend while using her Fenty Hair shampoo to properly clean a hair extension. —Rachel McRady, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025

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