bandit

noun

ban·​dit ˈban-dət How to pronounce bandit (audio)
plural bandits
Synonyms of banditnext
1
plural also banditti ban-ˈdi-tē How to pronounce bandit (audio) : an outlaw who lives by plunder
especially : a member of a band of marauders
2
: robber
3
: an enemy plane
banditry
ˈban-də-trē How to pronounce bandit (audio)
noun

Examples of bandit in a Sentence

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.
This location can be found north of Tachov in the forests beside a bandit camp. —Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 The bandit wheeled and snarled at Herod, exposing his rotting front teeth. —Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025 Collins’ physical profile fits the bandit position (where Overton and Latham play) as the defensive end with pass-rush responsibilities. —Kennington Smith Iii, The Athletic, 18 Dec. 2024 At least 49 businesses have been robbed so far in the spree, according to the United Bodegas of America (UBA) trade group, which is offering a $5,000 bounty on the bandits. —Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for bandit 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian bandito (earlier in English also bandetto, probably by association with the Italian diminutive suffix -etto), noun derivative of bandito "put under a ban, outlawed, exiled," from past participle of bandire "(of a government or other authority) to announce, proclaim, proscribe, outlaw," probably borrowed (directly or via Old Occitan bandir) from Gothic bandwjan "to give a sign, show, reveal," derivative of bandwo "sign, signal" — more at band entry 3

Note: See also note at banderole.

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bandit was in 1611

Phrases Containing bandit

Dictionary Entries Near bandit

bandileer

bandit

bandito

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Bandit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bandit. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.

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Kids Definition

bandit

noun
ban·​dit ˈban-dət How to pronounce bandit (audio)
plural bandits also banditti ban-ˈdit-ē How to pronounce bandit (audio)
: a person who lives by stealing and often as a member of a band : robber, outlaw
banditry
ˈban-də-trē How to pronounce bandit (audio)
noun
Etymology

from Italian bandito, literally, "one who is banished"

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