shampoo

1 of 3

verb

sham·​poo sham-ˈpü How to pronounce shampoo (audio)
shampooed; shampooing; shampoos
Synonyms of shampoonext

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 3

noun (1)

plural shampoos
1
: an act or instance of shampooing
2
: a preparation used in shampooing

shampooer

3 of 3

noun (2)

sham·​poo·​er
-üə(r)
plural -s
: one that shampoos
specifically : a hairdresser who washes hair

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.
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
Noun
For hair and scalp, peppermint oil shampoo and other products effectively prevent dandruff, soothing itchy or dry skin and improving head and hair health. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 The compounds are also found in baby wipes, air fresheners, laundry supplies, eye drops, nasal sprays and personal care products such as shampoos, mouthwash and toothpaste. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shampoo

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 (1)

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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 15 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of shampoo for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shampoo

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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