Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×
1

bravo

noun bra·vo \ ˈbrä-(ˌ)vō \

Definition of bravo

plural bravos or bravoes
: villain, desperado; especially : a hired assassin

Origin and Etymology of bravo

Italian, from bravo brave

2

bravo

noun bra·vo \ ˈbrä-(ˌ)vō , brä-ˈvō \

Definition of bravo

plural bravos
: a shout of approval —often used interjectionally in applauding a performance

First Known Use of bravo

1806

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany

3

bravo

verb bra·vo \ same as 2bravo \

Definition of bravo

bravoed; bravoing
transitive verb
: to applaud by shouts of bravo

First Known Use of bravo

1732

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany

Bravo

communications code word Bra·vo \ ˈbrä-(ˌ)vō \

Definition of Bravo

—used as a code word for the letter b

First Known Use of bravo

1952

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

Other Alphabet Terms

cuneiform, linear, minuscule, pictograph, rune, symbology, wedge

Learn More about bravo

  1. See words that rhyme with bravo Spanish Central: Translation of bravo Nglish: Translation of bravo for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up bravo? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

jabberwocky

play

meaningless speech or writing

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  2. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  3. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  4. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

  5. suborn 'to induce to commit perjury'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

bravo

Test Your Vocabulary

Name More Food!

  • red-fruit
  • Name that Fruit!
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Bee Cubed

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games