bandersnatch

noun

ban·​der·​snatch
ˈban-dər-ˌsnach
plural -es
: a wildly grotesque or bizarre individual
like teaching metaphysics to a bandersnatchF. B. Ebersole

Word History

Etymology

from Bandersnatch, a fabulous animal in Through the Looking Glass (1872) by Lewis Carroll (Charles L. Dodgson) †1898 English mathematician & writer

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near bandersnatch

Cite this Entry

“Bandersnatch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bandersnatch. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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