bamboo

[bam-boo]

noun

plural

bamboos 

1. any of the woody or treelike tropical and semitropical grasses of the genera Bambusa, Phyllostachys, Dendrocalamus, and allied genera, having woody, usually hollow stems with stalked blades and flowering only after years of growth.

2. the stem of such a plant, used as a building material and for making furniture, poles, etc.

bamboo

/ bæmˈbuː /

noun

1. any tall treelike tropical or semitropical fast-growing grass of the genus Bambusa , having hollow woody-walled stems with ringed joints and edible young shoots ( bamboo shoots )

2. the stem of any of these plants, used for building, poles, and furniture

3. any of various bamboo-like grasses of the genera Arundinaria , Phyllostachys or Dendrocalamus

4. (modifier) made of bamboo

   a bamboo fence

Word History and Origins

Origin of bamboo¹

1590–1600; spelling variant of earlier bambu < Malay, apparently < Dravidian; compare Kannada bambu, bombu a large, hollow bam-boo (or directly < Dravidian); replacing bambus < Dutch bamboes; compare New Latin bambūsa

Word History and Origins

Origin of bamboo¹

C16: probably from Malay bambu

Example Sentences

Cuzen Matcha Maker Gift Kit – Matcha is traditionally prepared with a stone mill and bamboo whisk, but lord knows most coffee shops you order it from are doing no such thing.

Read more on Salon

She’s plopped herself on the forest floor, and she munches bamboo shoot after bamboo shoot.

Read more on Literature

Her spotted bamboo chair faces a cluster of white lilies and a curious cat lurking among the garden stones, yet she appears caught in the motion of turning away from this scene.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In fact, when compared with tissue produced in North America, some bamboo varieties may have a larger environmental impact.

Read more on Science Daily

Instead, she says her designs ensure the roofs don't collapse, and that by using natural materials such as bamboo and lime concrete, the homes can be rebuilt quickly by the villagers themselves.

Read more on BBC