noun
Uncommon
bandit
BAN-diht
Bandit (noun) means an armed robber, especially one operating with a gang in a remote or lawless area. Example: “The stagecoach was ambushed by bandits in the mountain pass.”
noun
1
An armed robber, especially one operating with a gang in a remote or lawless area.
"The stagecoach was ambushed by bandits in the mountain pass."
"Local bandits had been raiding villages for years before the army moved in."
2
In military aviation, an aircraft confirmed to be hostile or enemy-operated.
"Radar picked up a bandit closing fast from the north."
How to use bandit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn outlaw or robber, especially one who preys on travelers or works with a gang.
Common pairings
a gang of bandits
armed bandits
bandit country
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Word forms
- Plural
- bandits, banditti
- Third person singular
- bandits
- Past tense
- bandited
Fill the gap
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The stagecoach was ambushed by _____ in the mountain pass.
Etymology
From Italian bandito ("outlawed, banished"), ultimately from the same root as ban — someone officially cast out was branded an outlaw and, in practice, often turned to robbery.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for bandit
See all rhymes for bandit →Frequently asked questions
What does “bandit” mean?
The word “bandit” means an armed robber, especially one operating with a gang in a remote or lawless area. In plain terms, an outlaw or robber, especially one who preys on travelers or works with a gang.
How do you pronounce “bandit”?
“Bandit” is pronounced BAN-diht (/ˈbændɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “bandit” in a sentence?
Here is “bandit” used in a sentence: “The stagecoach was ambushed by bandits in the mountain pass.”
What is another word for “bandit”?
Words with a similar meaning to “bandit” include bandito, brigand, latron and rapparee.
What part of speech is “bandit”?
“Bandit” is a noun.
Where does the word “bandit” come from?
The word “bandit” comes from Italian. From Italian bandito ("outlawed, banished"), ultimately from the same root as ban — someone officially cast out was branded an outlaw and, in practice, often turned to robbery.
Is “bandit” a common word?
“Bandit” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “bandit” have?
“Bandit” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an armed robber, especially one operating with a gang in a remote or lawless area.
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