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bandleader

noun

band·​lead·​er ˈband-ˌlē-dər How to pronounce bandleader (audio)
: the conductor of a band (such as a dance band)

Examples of bandleader in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The legendary guitarist, singer and bandleader, who founded Magnum Band in Miami in the mid-1970s, died on Sunday, his family said. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Nov. 2025 Kimmel went on hiatus for several days after the death of his friend Cleto Escobedo III, bandleader for the show's in-house band Cleto and the Cletones. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 18 Nov. 2025 Jimmy Kimmel has launched two fundraisers in memory of Cleto Escobedo III, his childhood friend and the longtime bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live! Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2025 Jimmy Kimmel’s longtime friend and bandleader Cleto Escobedo III's cause of death has been confirmed by authorities, according to TMZ. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bandleader

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bandleader was in 1869

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Cite this Entry

“Bandleader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bandleader. Accessed 4 Dec. 2025.

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