shampoo

1 of 2

noun

sham·​poo sham-ˈpü How to pronounce shampoo (audio)
plural shampoos
Synonyms of shampoonext
1
: a preparation used in shampooing
2
: an act or instance of shampooing

shampoo

2 of 2

verb

shampooed; shampooing; shampoos

transitive verb

1
a
: to wash (something, such as hair) with soap and water or with a special preparation
b
: to wash the hair of
2
archaic : massage
shampooer noun

Examples of shampoo in a Sentence

Verb She shampoos her hair every morning. We need to shampoo the rug.
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.
Noun
Often found as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate on product ingredient lists, the foaming surfactants are used in many shampoos to give your hair and scalp a very thorough cleanse. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026 Temporary root sprays, powders, sticks and wands can camouflage individual grays or larger areas until your next shampoo. — Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
How to Use a Color Depositing Hair Mask After shampooing, gently pat dry your hair with a towel or T-shirt and then spread the mask evenly over the lengths and ends. — Giulia Lenzi, Vogue, 8 June 2026 Following up shampoo with conditioner is an important step for restoring moisture to hair after shampooing. — William Jones, Ascend Agency, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for shampoo

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Hindi & Urdu cā̃po, imperative of cā̃pnā to press, massage

First Known Use

Noun

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1762, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of shampoo was in 1762

Rhymes for shampoo

See All Rhymes for shampoo

Browse Nearby Words

shammy
shampoo
shampooer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shampoo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shampoo. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

shampoo

1 of 2 verb
sham·​poo sham-ˈpü How to pronounce shampoo (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on shampoo

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for shampoo

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shampoo

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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