bandit

noun

ban·​dit ˈban-dət 

plural bandits

1

plural also banditti ban-ˈdi-tē  : an outlaw who lives by plunder

especially : a member of a band of marauders

2

: robber

3

: an enemy plane

banditry

ˈban-də-trē 

noun

Examples of bandit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Later, that spinning motif repeats to connect the dizzying heights the bandits reach and the vertigo of their impending downfall. —Courtney Howard, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024

In another incident, prosecutors allege, the bandits hit a bank in Fall River Mills, California. —Stepheny Price, Fox News, 31 Oct. 2024

Rolling a pumpkin over for inspection, the bandit seemingly surveys its surroundings for witnesses before taking a quick bite. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024

But the pandemic-era inflationary period played out unlike any other in history, and wealthy people made out like bandits. —Allison Morrow, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024

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

Phrases Containing bandit

• make out like a bandit
• one-arm bandit
• one-armed bandit

Kids Definition

bandit

noun

ban·​dit ˈban-dət 

plural bandits also banditti ban-ˈdit-ē 

: a person who lives by stealing and often as a member of a band : robber, outlaw

banditry

ˈban-də-trē 

noun

Etymology

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