English · Nature & Environment

bamboo

/bæmˈbuː/

[/bæmˈbuː/]

tall woody grass

Intermediatenoun

Definition

A tall tropical plant with hard hollow stems, used for building and furniture.

Example

Giant pandas munched contentedly on fresh green bamboo deep in the misty mountain forest.

Giant pandas munched contentedly on fresh green bamboo deep in the misty mountain forest.

Etymology

From Dutch 'bamboes', probably from Malay 'mambu'.

How & Where It’s Used

Used in construction, crafts, and ecology.

Cultural Note

Bamboo is a versatile material across Asia and a symbol of strength and flexibility.

Watch “tall woody grass” pronunciation on YouTube
plantgrass

Related Terms