Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Band Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🎸
Add to dictionary

band

[bænd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

A group of musicians playing together, typically consisting of guitars, drums, and vocals.

Synonyms

ensemble, musical group, orchestra.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
band

A group of musicians who play popular music together, often including guitars, drums, and vocals. Commonly used in informal settings or when referring to rock, pop, or similar genres.

  • The band played at the local bar last night.
  • I love this band's new album.
musical group

A neutral term for any collection of musicians who play music together, regardless of genre. Suitable for broad or general descriptions.

  • They formed a musical group in high school.
  • The musical group will be touring across Europe this summer.
ensemble

A group of musicians or performers who work together, often used in more formal contexts such as classical music, theater, or dance.

  • The string ensemble performed beautifully at the concert hall.
  • Our theater troupe has a talented ensemble.
orchestra

A large group of musicians who primarily play classical music with various instruments, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Used in formal contexts.

  • The orchestra will perform Beethoven's Ninth Symphony tonight.
  • She plays the violin in the city orchestra.

Examples of usage

  • I went to see a live band last night.
  • She plays in a band with her friends.
Context #2 | Noun

organization

A group of people who have a common interest or purpose, such as a group of activists or supporters.

Synonyms

association, coalition, group.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
band

Can also refer to a group of people who share a common activity or purpose, often in a somewhat informal way.

  • A band of volunteers cleaned up the park.
  • They formed a band of adventurers for the trip.
group

A general term for any number of people gathered or classified together, suitable for various contexts, both formal and informal.

  • A group of friends went to the movies.
  • The study group meets every Thursday.
association

Often used for a formal group of people with a common interest or goal, such as professional organizations or clubs.

  • He is a member of the National Teachers' Association.
  • The local business association organized the event.
coalition

Used to indicate a group of different people or organizations working together for a common cause, often in a political or social context.

  • Several environmental groups formed a coalition to combat pollution.
  • The government coalition decided to pass the new law.

Examples of usage

  • She is part of a band fighting for environmental rights.
  • The band of volunteers helped clean up the park.
Context #3 | Verb

restrict

To restrict or limit something, usually by tying it up or wrapping around it.

Synonyms

bind, tie, wrap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
band

A loop or strip used to hold things together.

  • He wore a silver band on his wrist.
  • They used a rubber band to keep the papers together.
tie

To fasten something with a knot.

  • She had trouble learning how to tie her shoelaces.
  • You should tie the rope securely before climbing.
bind

To tie or wrap something tightly, often used metaphorically.

  • They had to bind the wound to stop the bleeding.
  • You can bind the branches together to make a wreath.
wrap

To cover or enclose something, often with a material like paper or fabric.

  • We need to wrap the gift before the party.
  • She used a shawl to wrap herself up on the cold evening.

Examples of usage

  • Please band the papers together before handing them in.
  • The farmers banded the hay into bales.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Music

  • The first modern bands typically consisted of brass instruments, often playing in parades or public events.
  • Rock and pop bands often have distinct roles, like lead singers, guitarists, and drummers, each contributing to the overall sound.
  • Festival culture that celebrates bands has exploded worldwide, with events hosting hundreds of thousands of fans.

Culture

  • Many cultures have unique versions of bands, such as mariachi in Mexico, which includes violins and guitars and is known for festive music.
  • In the 20th century, marching bands became popular at sports events, enhancing the atmosphere with lively performances.
  • Some bands collaborate across genres, blending styles and creating new musical forms, such as rock and hip-hop.

Science

  • In physics, 'band' can refer to a range of wavelengths or frequencies, such as in electromagnetic spectra.
  • In genetics, a 'band' describes a pattern on a chromosome, playing a key role in identifying genetic traits.
  • In geology, 'banding' refers to the layering of materials in rocks, which can reveal Earth's history.

Psychology

  • Being part of a band can enhance social connections and promote teamwork skills among its members.
  • Studies show that playing music in groups can lead to increased mental well-being and reduce stress.
  • Participating in musical activities like band enhances cognitive functions, including memory and attention.

Origin of 'band'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old Norse 'band', which means 'to bind or tie together'.
  • In Middle English, it referred to a strip of cloth or a group of people joined together.
  • The concept of 'band' describing a musical group rose to popularity in the late 19th century.

The word 'band' originated from the Middle French word 'bande', meaning 'troop' or 'company'. It was first used in the context of a group of musicians playing together in the late 17th century. Over time, the term expanded to refer to any group of people with a common purpose. In the verb form, 'band' has roots in Old English and Old Norse, meaning to 'bind' or 'tie'. The word has evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings related to groups and restrictions.

See also: bandage, banded, bandit, bands, bandwidth, disband.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,744, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.