bamboo

noun

bam·​boo (ˌ)bam-ˈbü How to pronounce bamboo (audio) ˈbam-ˌbü How to pronounce bamboo (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Resting options include double bunk beds in back and queen bed with bamboo mattress up front. — Kris Millgate, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Complete the party with this 12-piece bamboo melamine dinnerware set. — Erin Mayer, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2026 The cotton-and-bamboo blend feels buttery-soft and breathable, while the relaxed tee and boxer shorts are comfortable enough for sleeping or slow mornings around the house. — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026 The cotton-bamboo blend makes this material super stretchy and easy to wear in the heat, without feeling overheated or drowning in fabric. — Olivia Dubyak, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bamboo

Word History

Etymology

Malay bambu

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bamboo was in 1586

Phrases Containing bamboo

Rhymes for bamboo

See All Rhymes for bamboo

Browse Nearby Words

bamboche
bamboo
bamboo borer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bamboo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bamboo. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bamboo

noun
bam·​boo bam-ˈbü How to pronounce bamboo (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on bamboo

Nglish: Translation of bamboo for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bamboo

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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