bandy
|ban-dy|
/ˈbændi/
pass or strike back and forth
Etymology
'bandy' originates from Old Norse (or related North Germanic sources), specifically from a root such as 'benda' (compare verbs meaning 'to bend' or 'to strike'), where the root conveyed the sense 'to bend/drive'.
'bandy' changed from Middle English forms (such as 'bandy' meaning 'bent' or 'to strike back and forth') and later developed senses of 'to strike or drive (a ball)' and then 'to toss or exchange' (giving rise to the modern verb and the name of the sport).
Initially, it meant something like 'to bend' or 'to strike/drive,' but over time it evolved into senses of 'to pass or exchange back and forth' (verb) and the name of the ice sport (noun).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a winter team sport played on ice with sticks and a ball, similar to field hockey (played especially in Northern Europe and Russia).
He learned to play bandy when he was a child.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to pass or strike back and forth; to toss or give (something) from one person or place to another, often casually or repeatedly (often used with insults, words, ideas).
They bandy insults across the room during every argument.
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Verb 2
to discuss, mention, or circulate (an idea, rumor, etc.) casually or carelessly (often used with about/around).
People in the office often bandy about ideas for the new project.
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Adjective 1
having legs that curve outward at the knees; bowlegged (often used in the compound bandy-legged).
The statue depicted an old man with a slightly bandy stance.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2026/01/10 08:09