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

Ifeanyi Immanuel Bakwenye / AFP via Getty Images These abductions have been claimed by bandits rather than jihadists. —CBS News, 30 Nov. 2025

No group has claimed responsibility for the recent abductions, but analysts and locals say gangs of bandits often target schools, travelers and remote villagers in kidnappings for ransoms. —Brittany Williams, Arkansas Online, 26 Nov. 2025

While picking his successor, Po crosses paths with a sly fox bandit, Zhen (Awkwafina), who attempts to steal ancient weapons. —Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Nov. 2025

Last Monday, armed bandits stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town. —Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 25 Nov. 2025

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"