brigand: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Literary, Historical, Formal
Quick answer
What does “brigand” mean?
A member of a band of robbers or outlaws who attacks travellers and vehicles, typically in forests or mountains.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of a band of robbers or outlaws who attacks travellers and vehicles, typically in forests or mountains.
A bandit, highwayman, or outlaw, especially one operating in a group in wild or remote areas; by extension, a person who behaves in a lawless or predatory way.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally literary/historical in both variants.
Connotations
Evokes romanticised or historical imagery of outlaws in both cultures.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in contemporary speech for both; slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical fiction/drama.
Grammar
How to Use “brigand” in a Sentence
The brigands [VERB: ambushed/robbed/attacked] the [NOUN: caravan/coach/travellers].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brigand” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The tale had a brigand charm about it.
- He wore a brigand-style hat.
American English
- They lived a brigand life in the hills.
- It was a brigand operation, loosely organized.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or political science contexts discussing state formation and the monopoly on violence.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. Might be used humorously or metaphorically.
Technical
Not used in modern technical contexts (e.g., law enforcement).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brigand”
- Using it for a single, modern mugger (incorrect). Pronouncing it as /braɪˈɡænd/ (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A brigand operates on land (roads, forests, mountains). A pirate operates at sea. They are both types of bandits, but in different domains.
It would be highly unusual and stylistic. Using it for a modern gangster or robber would sound deliberately archaic or humorous.
They are very similar. 'Highwayman' is more specific to someone who robs on a highway (often on horseback and sometimes portrayed as more gentlemanly), while 'brigand' is broader and implies a rougher, more base member of a lawless band.
The social phenomenon it describes—organised bands preying on road travel—has largely disappeared in the industrialised world due to effective policing and changes in transportation. The word remains in our lexicon through historical and literary works.
A member of a band of robbers or outlaws who attacks travellers and vehicles, typically in forests or mountains.
Brigand is usually literary, historical, formal in register.
Brigand: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrɪɡənd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrɪɡənd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) bold/brazen as a brigand”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'BRIGade of bANDits' = BRIGAND. It's a band (group) of robbers.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRIME IS A FORCE OF NATURE (brigands *infest* the hills), A LAWLESS PERSON IS AN ANIMAL/WILD (brigands *prey* on travellers).
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario best describes a 'brigand'?