bantam

1 of 2

noun

ban·​tam ˈban-təm How to pronounce bantam (audio)
1
: any of numerous small domestic fowls that are often miniatures of members of the standard breeds
2
: a person of diminutive stature and often combative disposition

bantam

2 of 2

adjective

1
2
: pertly combative

Examples of bantam in a Sentence

Adjective a bantam comedian who is known to fellow performers for his oversize ego
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Even though this circular haven is bantam in size, there are plenty of things to do to keep you tickled during your visit. Wendy Altschuler, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 He was drafted third overall in the 1995 WHL bantam draft, per Hockey Draft Central. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2024
Adjective
Tipping the scales at a bantam weight of only 1.14 pounds, and less than a foot long, even the gram-conscious minimalists have to take notice. Tim MacWelch, Outdoor Life, 9 Sep. 2019 See all Example Sentences for bantam 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Bantam, former residency in Java

First Known Use

Noun

1740, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bantam was in 1740

Dictionary Entries Near bantam

Cite this Entry

“Bantam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bantam. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

bantam

noun
ban·​tam
ˈbant-əm
: any of numerous small domestic fowls that are often miniatures of members of the standard breeds
bantam adjective

Geographical Definition

Bantam

geographical name

Ban·​tam ˈban-təm How to pronounce Bantam (audio)
former town of Indonesia in the northwestern corner of Java; once capital of the Sultanate of Bantam

More from Merriam-Webster on bantam

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