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.
"The anonymous vandal was blocked after going on a vandalism spree."
"Vandals spray-painted obscenities on the side of the building."
"Vandals had spray-painted the entire side of the bus shelter."
How to use vandal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who trashes or defaces things just because they can.
Common pairings
caught by vandals
act of a vandal
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Word forms
- Plural
- vandals
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ 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.
Class of 455
vandal joined the language around 455.
See the full Class of 455 →
Synonyms
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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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