brigand

noun

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

Examples of brigand 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.
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

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

Rhymes for brigand

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brigand
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Cite this Entry

“Brigand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brigand. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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