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verb

bandy

BAN-dee

Bandy (verb) means to pass something back and forth between people, especially words, rumors, or ideas. Example: “Theories were bandied about the office all morning.”

verb
1
To pass something back and forth between people, especially words, rumors, or ideas.
"Theories were bandied about the office all morning."
"The two politicians bandied insults on live television."
adj
1
Curving outward at the knees; bow-legged.
"Years of riding had left the old cowboy noticeably bandy-legged."

How to use bandy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo toss something (usually words or ideas) back and forth, or, as an adjective, to describe legs that curve outward.

Common pairings
bandy words bandy about a rumor bandy-legged

Word forms

bandier comparative, bandied past tense, bandies plural, bandies plural, Bandys plural, bandies singular, bandiest superlative

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Fill the gap

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Years of riding had left the old cowboy noticeably _____-legged.

Etymology

From French bander, originally describing hitting a ball back and forth in an early form of tennis — the "passing back and forth" sense comes straight from that game.

Origin: French

kick around

Rhymes for bandy

See all rhymes for bandy →

Frequently asked questions

What does “bandy” mean?

The word “bandy” means to pass something back and forth between people, especially words, rumors, or ideas. In plain terms, to toss something (usually words or ideas) back and forth, or, as an adjective, to describe legs that curve outward.

How do you pronounce “bandy”?

“Bandy” is pronounced BAN-dee (/ˈbændi/ in IPA).

How do you use “bandy” in a sentence?

Here is “bandy” used in a sentence: “Years of riding had left the old cowboy noticeably bandy-legged.”

What part of speech is “bandy”?

Depending on how it is used, “bandy” can be a verb and an adjective.

Where does the word “bandy” come from?

The word “bandy” comes from French. From French bander, originally describing hitting a ball back and forth in an early form of tennis — the "passing back and forth" sense comes straight from that game.

How many meanings does “bandy” have?

“Bandy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to pass something back and forth between people, especially words, rumors, or ideas.

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