brigand

noun

brig·​and ˈbri-gənd How to pronounce brigand (audio)
: one who lives by plunder usually as a member of a band : bandit
brigandage noun

Examples of brigand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Looking eastward, the notion that Iran, which took hundreds of thousands of casualties in repelling an Iraqi juggernaut in the 1980s, is going to melt in terror in the face of several thousand ISIS brigands is absurd. Steven Simon, Foreign Affairs, 26 Aug. 2014 Captured by brigands, the immigrants are herded into a remote Libyan prison camp where they are tormented and tortured. Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Feb. 2024 Saúl is a brigand while Isabella is a noblewoman, and the tale tells of the couple’s struggle as their families oppose their union. Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 10 Aug. 2022 Scavenger is a brigand Gawain encounters on his journey. BostonGlobe.com, 30 July 2021 The ruler tops out at seven feet six inches, suggesting an absolutely colossal brigand. Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 22 Feb. 2021 Across the pastures, gangs of grandchildren ran like brigands. Stanley Stewart, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2019 As Robin Hood, Daniel Reese creates a flesh-and-blood version of the storybook character, imbuing the Middle Ages brigand with a conscience for the poor and some humorous frailties. Pam Kragen, sandiegouniontribune.com, 31 July 2017 Traveling by road even a few dozen miles outside the city can be a dicey proposition because of insurgents and brigands. David Jolly, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2016

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brigand.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English brigaunt, from Middle French brigand, from Old Italian brigante, from brigare to fight, from briga strife, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish bríg strength

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brigand was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near brigand

Cite this Entry

“Brigand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brigand. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

brigand

noun
brig·​and ˈbrig-ənd How to pronounce brigand (audio)
: bandit
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