banderilla

[ ban-duh-ree-uh, -reel-yuh; Spanish bahn-de-ree-lyah, -yah ]

noun

, plural ban·de·ril·las [ban-d, uh, -, ree, -, uh, z, -, reel, -y, uh, z, bahn-de-, ree, -lyahs, -yahs].

1. an ornamented dart with barbs used by banderilleros for sticking into the neck or shoulder of the bull.

banderilla

/ ˌbændəˈriːə; -ˈriːljə /

noun

1. bullfighting a decorated barbed dart, thrust into the bull's neck or shoulder

Word History and Origins

Origin of banderilla¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; from Spanish, equivalent to bander(a) “flag, standard, banner” + -illa diminutive suffix, from Latin; banner

Word History and Origins

Origin of banderilla¹

Spanish, literally: a little banner, from bandera banner

Example Sentences

This was doubtless the forerunner of 265 the modern banderilla (barbed dart ornamented with streamers of colored paper).

From Project Gutenberg

These touch-and-go experiments form no part of the strict duties of the chulo; his exclusive province is the banderilla.

From Project Gutenberg

The jaunty insouciance of the young range-rider irritated him as a banderilla goads a bull in the ring.

From Project Gutenberg

And the smile was as a banderilla to her niece's goaded spirit.

From Project Gutenberg

Nacional, with the banderilla in his hand, attracted the bull to the centre of the plaza.

From Project Gutenberg

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