Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense bands, present participle banding, past tense, past participle banded
1. countable noun [with singular or plural verb]
A band is a small group of musicians who play popular music such as jazz, rock, or pop.
He was a drummer in a rock band.
Local bands provide music for dancing.
Synonyms: ensemble, group, orchestra, combo More Synonyms of band
2. See also one-man band
3. countable noun [with singular or plural verb]
A band is a group of musicians who play brass and percussion instruments.
Bands played German marches.
4. See also brass band
5. countable noun [with singular or plural verb]
A bandof people is a group of people who have joined together because they share an interestor belief.
Bands of criminals have been roaming some neighborhoods.
...a small but growing band of Japanese companies taking their first steps into Americanpublishing.
6. countable noun
A band is a flat, narrow strip of cloth which you wear round your head or wrists, or which forms part of a piece of clothing.
Almost all hospitals use a wrist-band of some kind with your name and details onit.
7. See also armband, hatband, waistband
8. countable noun
A band is a strip of something such as colour, light, land, or cloth which contrasts withthe areas on either side of it.
...bands of natural vegetation between strips of crops.
A band of light glowed in the space between floor and door.
Synonyms: strip, belt More Synonyms of band
9. countable noun
A band is a strip or loop of metal or other strong material which strengthens something, or which holds several things together.
Surgeons placed a metal band around the knee cap to help it knit back together.
...a strong band of flat muscle tissue.
Synonyms: bandage, tie, binding, strip More Synonyms of band
10. See also elastic band, rubber band
11. countable noun
A band is a range of numbers or values within a system of measurement.
For an initial service, a 10 megahertz-wide band of frequencies will be needed.
...a tax band of 20p in the pound on the first £2,000 of taxable income.
12. See also waveband
13. verb
If something such as a tax is banded, it is divided into bands according to the value of the thing being taxed.
[British]
They appear to have ruled out banding the tax so higher earners would pay more. [VERB noun]
...a banding system based on property values. [VERB-ing]
The choice will be between a flat-rate or a banded charge. [VERB-ed]
regional note: in AM, use be bracketed
14. See also wedding band
Phrasal verbs:
See band together
More Synonyms of band
band in British English1
(bænd)
noun
1.
a company of people having a common purpose; group
a band of outlaws
2.
a group of musicians playing either brass and percussion instruments only (brass band) or brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments (concert band or military band)
3.
a group of musicians who play popular music, jazz, etc, often for dancing
4.
a group of instrumentalists generally; orchestra
5. Canadian
a formally recognized group of Native Canadians on a reserve
6. anthropology
a division of a tribe; a family group or camp group
7. US and Canadian
a flock or herd
verb
8. (usually foll by together)
to unite; assemble
Word origin
C15: from French bande probably from Old Provençal banda of Germanic origin; compare Gothic bandwa sign, banner
band in British English2
(bænd)
noun
1.
a thin flat strip of some material, used esp to encircle objects and hold them together
a rubber band
2.
a.
a strip of fabric or other material used as an ornament or distinguishing mark, or to reinforce clothing
b.
(in combination)
waistband
hairband
hatband
3.
a stripe of contrasting colour or texture
See also chromosome band
4.
a driving belt in machinery
5.
a range of values that are close or related in number, degree, or quality
6.
a. physics
a range of frequencies or wavelengths between two limits
b. radio
such a range allocated to a particular broadcasting station or service
7. short for energy band
8. computing
one or more tracks on a magnetic disk or drum
9. anatomy
any structure resembling a ribbon or cord that connects, encircles, or binds different parts
10.
the cords to which the folded sheets of a book are sewn
11.
a thin layer or seam of ore
12. architecture
a strip of flat panelling, such as a fascia or plinth, usually attached to a wall
13.
a large white collar, sometimes edged with lace, worn in the 17th century
14.
either of a pair of hanging extensions of the collar, forming part of academic, legal, or (formerly) clerical dress
15.
a ring for the finger (esp in phrases such as wedding band, band of gold, etc)
verb(transitive)
16.
to fasten or mark with a band
17. US and Canadian
to ring (a bird)
ring1 (sense 22)
Word origin
C15: from Old French bende, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German binda fillet; see band3
band in British English3
(bænd)
noun
an archaic word for bond (sense 1), bond (sense 3), bond (sense 4)
Word origin
C13: from Old Norse band; related to Old High German bant fetter; see bend1, bond
band in American English1
(bænd)
noun
1.
something that binds, ties together, restrains, etc.
2.
a.
a strip or ring of wood, metal, rubber, etc. fastened around something, as to bind or tie it together
b.
a finger ring
a wedding band
3.
a contrasting strip or stripe running across or along the edge of a material, or separating different sorts of material
4.
a narrow strip of cloth used to bind, line, decorate, etc.; binding; banding
hatband, neckband
5. [usually pl.]
two strips hanging in front from the neck, as part of certain academic, legal, or clerical dress
6.
a belt to drive wheels or pulleys in machinery
7.
any of the separate divisions on a phonograph record containing individual selections
8.
a.
a specific range of wavelengths or frequencies, as in radio broadcasting or soundor light transmission
b.
any of the stripes of color in a spectrum
9. Architecture
a thin layer or molding
10. Geology
a thin layer of distinctive rock, ore, etc.
verb transitive
11.
to put a band on or around; tie with a band
12. US
to mark with a band for identification
to band migratory birds
Word origin
ME < ON band (akin to OE bend); also (in meaning “thin strip”) < Fr bande, flat strip < OFr bende < ML benda < Goth binda < bindan, bind
band in American English2
(bænd)
noun
1.
a group of people joined together for a common purpose
2.
a group of musicians playing together, esp. upon wind and percussion instruments
The singer was looking for a band who could play the rhythms in his head.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Heavy metal bands and extended guitar riffs are likely to get these sorts rocking.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Slightly pedestrian indie rock from a band who look prettier than they sound with this one.
The Sun (2016)
Secure with a small band on the end and pin in place.
The Sun (2017)
Grease the handles of two wooden spoons with butter and wrap a rubber band around them to bind them together.
The Sun (2016)
It gave them a will to succeed and somewhere from which to position themselves as the band of the people.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Some founders band together more formally.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The side of the car was crumpled, both air bags had deployed and big band music was blaring through the windows.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Then it's back to base for mince pies and mulled wine, while a brass band plays.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This concert proved the band have used their time out of the spotlight well.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
We noticed that people from rock bands were making dance records.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Whether cars would retrospectively be moved to a higher tax band remains to be seen.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
We can always come back to the band.
The Sun (2008)
You do sometimes need a rock band to do something crazy.
The Sun (2013)
The band that appeared here did not lack firepower.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Then the band could have played for a year.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
They have been caused by the metal band around the outside which acts as the antenna.
The Sun (2010)
Tie with a hair band of your choice.
The Sun (2010)
The vast orchestration includes an offstage brass band.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
And this season the bands of colour are bold and there to get you noticed.
The Sun (2016)
They would be expected to wear their dress uniforms and a military band would play.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
She has had people in bands ask her to marry them.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The metal bands that slid around her arms and legs were fastened before she knew they were there.
Tepper, Sheri S. A Plague of Angels (1993)
It is just a shame that a small band of elite clubs tends to lift the trophy each year.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The cost of an average gold wedding band has gone up by 37 per cent this year.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
That said, it must help that he has assembled a superb band to absorb the attention.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
One possible explanation is that deep in our ancestral history it was necessary for individuals to band together to ward off tribal invaders.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The figures are based on those artists whose schools could be identified; for groups each band member is included.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
One in five over-55s has gone to a music festival or to see a band in concert in the past year.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It can be seen in other measures such as the introduction of a new 5 per cent stamp duty band on property worth more than 1 million.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Word lists with
band
architectural features
In other languages
band
British English: band /bænd/ NOUN
group of musicians A band is a group of people who play music together.
He plays the guitar in a band.
American English: band musical group
Arabic: فِرْقَة موسِيقِيَّة
Brazilian Portuguese: banda
Chinese: 重唱团
Croatian: grupa
Czech: skupina hudební
Danish: band
Dutch: band popgroep
European Spanish: conjunto
Finnish: bändi
French: groupe musique
German: Band Musikgruppe
Greek: συγκρότημα μουσική
Italian: gruppo
Japanese: バンド 音楽グループ
Korean: 음악단
Norwegian: band
Polish: zespół
European Portuguese: banda
Romanian: formație
Russian: музыкальная группа
Latin American Spanish: banda grupo musical
Swedish: band musikgrupp
Thai: วงดนตรี
Turkish: orkestra
Ukrainian: музична група
Vietnamese: ban nhạc
British English: band /bænd/ NOUN
strip A band is a narrow strip of material that you put around something.
She wore a band round her hair.
American English: band strip
Arabic: رِبَاط
Brazilian Portuguese: faixa
Chinese: 带子
Croatian: vrpca
Czech: páska
Danish: bånd
Dutch: lint
European Spanish: banda
Finnish: nauha
French: bande
German: Band Gummiband
Greek: ιμάντας
Italian: fascia
Japanese: 帯状のひも
Korean: 띠
Norwegian: bånd
Polish: wstążka
European Portuguese: faixa
Romanian: bandă
Russian: лента
Latin American Spanish: banda tira
Swedish: band remsa
Thai: สายคาด
Turkish: şerit
Ukrainian: гурт
Vietnamese: dải băng
All related terms of 'band'
Band-Aid
A Band-Aid is a small piece of sticky tape that you use to cover small cuts or wounds on your body.
band-gala
(in India ) (of a coat ) closed at the neck
band list
a list of Native Canadians formally recognized as belonging to a band
band saw
a power-operated saw consisting of an endless toothed metal band running over and driven by two wheels
big band
A big band is a large group of musicians who play jazz or dance music . Big bands were especially popular from the 1930s to the 1950s.
boy band
A boy band is a band consisting of young men who sing pop music and dance .
dual-band
of or relating to mobile telephones that can operate on two GSM frequency bands
girl band
A girl band is a band consisting of young women who sing pop music and dance .
jazz band
a group of jazz musicians
jug band
a small group playing folk or jazz music, using empty jugs that are played by blowing across their openings to produce bass notes
LAP-BAND
a device fitted around the stomach to reduce its capacity as an aid to losing weight
pass band
the band of frequencies that is transmitted with maximum efficiency through a circuit , filter , etc
pop band
a band , consisting of guitars , drums and sometimes other instruments, which plays pop music
quad-band
of or relating to mobile telephones that can operate on all four GSM frequency bands and therefore be used in most countries
rock band
a band that plays rock music
tax band
a category of taxpayer which is based on how high or low their income is
tri-band
of or relating to mobile telephones that can operate on three GSM frequency bands
wave band
a specific range of radio frequencies
Alice band
an ornamental band worn across the front of the hair to hold it back from the face
band leader
the leader of a group of musicians , esp those playing popular music
band shell
an outdoor platform for concerts , having a concave , nearly hemispherical back serving as a sounding board
band theory
a theory of the electrical properties of metals, semiconductors , and insulators based on energy bands
blues band
a band that plays the blues
brake band
a strip of fabric, leather , or metal tightened around a pulley or shaft to act as a brake
brass band
A brass band is a band that is made up of brass and percussion instruments .
cover band
a band that makes or performs cover versions of songs
dance band
a band of musicians playing music for dancing
energy band
a range of energies associated with the quantum states of electrons in a crystalline solid. In a semiconductor or an insulator there is a valence band containing many states, most of which are occupied . Above this is a forbidden band with only a few isolated states caused by impurities . Above this is a conduction band containing many states most of which are empty . In a metal there is a continuous valence-conduction band
garage band
a rough-and-ready amateurish rock group
guard band
a space left vacant between two radio frequency bands , or between two tracks on a magnetic tape recording , to avoid mutual interference
indie band
an independent band
rhythm band
a band that plays percussion instruments, specif. one composed of children who do so in order to learn about musical rhythm
rubber band
A rubber band is a thin circle of very elastic rubber. You put it around things such as papers in order to keep them together.
steel band
A steel band is a band of people who play music on special metal drums. Steel bands started in the West Indies .
string band
a band consisting of stringed instruments
swing band
a band that plays swing jazz
band spectrum
a spectrum consisting of a number of bands of closely spaced lines that are associated with emission or absorption of radiation by molecules
band together
If people band together , they meet and act as a group in order to try and achieve something.
Citizens' Band
Citizens ' Band is a range of radio frequencies which the general public is allowed to use to send messages to each other and is used especially by truck drivers in their vehicles . The abbreviation → CB is often used.
elastic band
An elastic band is a thin circle of very stretchy rubber that you can put around things in order to hold them together .
falling band
a man's large flat collar , often lace-trimmed, worn during the 17th century
gastric band
A gastric band is a device that is fitted inside someone's stomach to make it smaller in order to help them lose weight.
marching band
A marching band is a group of musicians who play music as they march along the street or march as part of a ceremony.
military band
a musical band , usually made up of players of wind , percussion and some brass instruments, that play at military functions, etc
mourning band
a piece of black material, esp an armband , worn to indicate that the wearer is in mourning
support band
a band, pop group, rock group, etc not topping the bill
tribute band
A tribute band is a pop group that plays the music and copies the style of another, much more famous , pop group.
valence band
a range of energies associated with the quantum states of electrons in a crystalline solid . In a semiconductor or an insulator there is a valence band containing many states, most of which are occupied . Above this is a forbidden band with only a few isolated states caused by impurities . Above this is a conduction band containing many states most of which are empty . In a metal there is a continuous valence-conduction band
wedding band
A wedding band is the same as a → wedding ring .
Band of Hope
a society promoting lifelong abstention from alcohol among young people: founded in Britain in 1847