bandanna
|ban-dan-na|
/bænˈdænə/
cloth for tying
Etymology
'bandanna' originates from Hindi/Urdu, specifically the word 'bandhnā' or 'bandana,' where the root 'bandh-' meant 'to tie' or 'to bind.'
'bandanna' entered English via trade with South Asia (and contacts through Portuguese and other European languages) in the early 17th century, ultimately from Sanskrit 'bandh-' (to bind) through Hindi/Urdu forms such as 'bandhana'/'bandhna'.
Initially it referred to the act or result of tying or a tied piece; over time it came to denote the specific cloth (kerchief) used for tying and the printed cotton fabric itself.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a large kerchief or square piece of cloth, often worn tied around the head or neck.
He tied a red bandanna around his head.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/09 21:24