verb

bandy

BAN-dee

verb

To pass something back and forth between people, especially words, rumors, or ideas.

"Theories were bandied about the office all morning."

"The two politicians bandied insults on live television."

adj

Curving outward at the knees; bow-legged.

"Years of riding had left the old cowboy noticeably bandy-legged."

How to Use Bandy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo toss something (usually words or ideas) back and forth, or, as an adjective, to describe legs that curve outward.

Common pairings

bandy words bandy about a rumor bandy-legged

Word Forms

bandier comparative, bandied past tense, bandies plural, bandies plural, Bandys plural, bandies singular, bandiest superlative

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Fill the Gap

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Years of riding had left the old cowboy noticeably _____-legged.

Etymology

From French bander, originally describing hitting a ball back and forth in an early form of tennis — the "passing back and forth" sense comes straight from that game.

Rhymes for bandy

Andy handy dandy sandy candy randy Mandy Tandy brandy

See all rhymes for bandy →