banderilla

noun

ban·de·ri·lla ˌban-də-ˈrē(l)-yə

: a decorated barbed dart that the banderillero thrusts into the neck or shoulders of the bull in a bullfight

Examples of banderilla in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Soon, we were seated in an alcove, sipping $14 gin-tonics from bulbous glasses and snacking on gildas, the classic Basque banderilla made with large olives adorned with a sweet pepper cap and an anchovy fillet handle, all speared with a toothpick. —

Michael Russell, oregonlive, 1 Sep. 2021 These colorful creations were reminiscent of banderillas, which are the decorated darts used by bullfighters. —

Omar Mamoon, SFChronicle.com, 29 May 2020 Or, banderillas can be made up to two days ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. —

Jonah Miller, WSJ, 6 July 2018 For the banderilla: In a medium bowl, combine mojo picón and Manchego cheese, stirring to coat. —

Jonah Miller, WSJ, 6 July 2018 As darkness falls, stroll over to Bar Acuda for garlicky bruschetta topped with local tomatoes, grilled flank steak banderillas with black pepper-pineapple jam and other small plates. —

Jackie Burrell, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2017

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Spanish, diminutive of bandera "banner, flag," borrowed from Old Occitan bandiera, or formed parallel to it from Spanish banda "group, flock" — more at banderole

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of banderilla was in 1789

See more words from the same year