First Known Use: 12th century
Dictionary
1band
noun \ˈband\
Definition of BAND
1
: something that confines or constricts while allowing a degree of movement
2
: something that binds or restrains legally, morally, or spiritually
3
: a strip serving to join or hold things together: as a : belt 2 b : a cord or strip across the back of a book to which the sections are sewn
4
: a thin flat encircling strip: as a : a close-fitting strip that confines material at the waist, neck, or cuff of clothing b : a strip of cloth used to protect a newborn baby's navel —called also bellyband c : a ring of elastic
5
a : a strip (as of living tissue or rock) or a stripe (as on an animal) differentiable (as by color, texture, or structure) from the adjacent material or area b : a more or less well-defined range of wavelengths, frequencies, or energies c : range 7a
6
: a narrow strip serving chiefly as decoration: as a : a narrow strip of material applied as trimming to an article of dress b plural : a pair of strips hanging at the front of the neck as part of a clerical, legal, or academic dress c : a ring without raised portions
7
: track 1e(2)
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Origin of BAND
in senses 1 & 2, from Middle English band, bond something that constricts, from Old Norse band; akin to Old English bindan to bind; in other senses, from Middle English bande strip, from Middle French, from Vulgar Latin *binda, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German binta fillet; akin to Old English bindan to bind, bend fetter — more at bind
2band
verb
Definition of BAND
transitive verb
1
: to affix a band to or tie up with a band
2
: to finish or decorate with a band
3
: to gather together : unite <banded themselves together for protection>
intransitive verb
: to unite for a common purpose —often used with together <have banded together in hopes of attacking the blight that is common to them all — J. B. Conant>
— band·er noun
See band defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BAND
15th century
3band
noun
Definition of BAND
: a group of persons, animals, or things; especially : a group of musicians organized for ensemble playing
Origin of BAND
Middle French bande troop, from Old Occitan banda, of Germanic origin; akin to Gothic bandwo sign, standard — more at banner
First Known Use: 15th century
BAND Defined for Kids
1band
noun \ˈband\
Definition of BAND for Kids
1
: a strip of material that holds together or goes around something else <A plastic band held on the container's lid.>
2
: a strip of something that is different from what it goes around or across <a hat band> <a band of tall grass>
3
: a range of frequencies (as of radio waves)
2band
verb
band·edband·ing
Definition of BAND for Kids
1
: to put a strip of material on or around : tie together with a band <The envelopes are banded in packs of 50.>
2
: to unite in a group <“They don't want us banding together for higher wages or better housing,” said Marta. — Pam Muñoz Ryan, Esperanza Rising>
3band
noun
Definition of BAND for Kids
1
: a group of persons or animals <a band of outlaws>
2
: a group of musicians performing together
Medical Dictionary
band
noun \ˈband\
Medical Definition of BAND
1
: a thin flat encircling strip especially for binding: as a : a strip of cloth used to protect a newborn baby's navel—called also bellyband b : a thin flat strip of metal that encircles a tooth <orthodontic bands>
2
: a strip separated by some characteristic color or texture or considered apart from what is adjacent: as a : a stripe, streak, or other elongated mark on an animal; especially : one transverse to the long axis of the body b : a line or streak of differentiated cells c : one of the alternating dark and light segments of skeletal muscle fibers d : band form e : a strip of abnormal tissue either congenital or acquired; especially : a strip of connective tissue that causes obstruction of the bowel
Learn More About BAND
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