bandanas
|ban-da-nas|
/bænˈdænəz/
(bandana)
tied cloth for head/neck
Etymology
'bandana' originates from Hindi/Urdu, specifically the word 'bandhani' or 'bandhna', where the root 'bandh-' meant 'to tie' or 'to bind'.
'bandana' changed from Hindi/Urdu words such as 'bandhani' (a tied/dyed cloth) and ultimately entered English in the early 19th century as 'bandana' or 'bandanna'. The Hindi/Urdu terms themselves derive from Sanskrit 'bandhana' meaning 'a tying' or 'bond'.
Initially, it referred specifically to a tied or tie-dyed cloth ('bandhani'); over time it broadened in English to mean any square/triangular kerchief used on the head or neck.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
pieces of square or triangular cloth, often printed (e.g., paisley), worn tied around the head, neck, or wrist as a fashion accessory or to keep hair/sweat back.
The team wore red bandanas during the tournament to show they were on the same side.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/09 21:09