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noun C2 Proficient

vandal

VAN-duhl

Vandal (noun) means someone who deliberately damages or destroys property, especially for no good reason. Example: “Vandals had spray-painted the entire side of the bus shelter.”

noun
1
Someone who deliberately damages or destroys property, especially for no good reason.
"Vandals had spray-painted the entire side of the bus shelter."

How to use vandal

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who trashes or defaces things just because they can.

Common pairings
caught by vandals act of a vandal

Word forms

vandals plural, Vandals plural

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_____ had spray-painted the entire side of the bus shelter.

Etymology

From "Vandal", the ancient Germanic tribe blamed for sacking Rome in 455 CE; the tribe's name became a byword for needless destruction from the 1600s onward.

Origin: Germanic · First attested 455

Class of 455 vandal joined the language around 455.
See the full Class of 455 →

Rhymes for vandal

See all rhymes for vandal →

Frequently asked questions

What does “vandal” mean?

The word “vandal” means someone who deliberately damages or destroys property, especially for no good reason. In plain terms, someone who trashes or defaces things just because they can.

How do you pronounce “vandal”?

“Vandal” is pronounced VAN-duhl (/ˈvændəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “vandal” in a sentence?

Here is “vandal” used in a sentence: “Vandals had spray-painted the entire side of the bus shelter.”

What part of speech is “vandal”?

“Vandal” is a noun.

Where does the word “vandal” come from?

The word “vandal” dates back to around 455 and comes from Germanic. From "Vandal", the ancient Germanic tribe blamed for sacking Rome in 455 CE; the tribe's name became a byword for needless destruction from the 1600s onward.

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