vandal

American  

[van-dl] / ˈvæn dl /

noun

1. (initial capital letter) a member of a Germanic people who in the 5th century a.d. ravaged Gaul and Spain, settled in Africa, and in a.d. 455 sacked Rome.

2. a person who willfully or ignorantly destroys or mars something beautiful or valuable.

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adjective

1. (initial capital letter) of or relating to the Vandals.

2. imbued with or characterized by vandalism.

vandal ¹ British  

/ ˈvændəl /

noun

1. 1. a person who deliberately causes damage or destruction to personal or public property

   2. ( as modifier )

      vandal instincts

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Vandal ² British  

/ ˈvændəl, vænˈdælɪk /

noun

1. a member of a Germanic people that raided Roman provinces in the 3rd and 4th centuries _ad before devastating Gaul (406–409), conquering Spain and N Africa, and sacking Rome (455): crushed by Belisarius at Carthage (533)

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Other Word Forms

• Vandalic adjective
• Vandalism noun

Etymology

Origin of vandal

First recorded in 1545–55, vandal is from the Late Latin word Vandalus, Latinized tribal name

Example Sentences

Often described as "elusive" and "secretive" by the press, the "guerrilla street artist" is a hero to some and a vandal to others.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

His ability to freely make art without being punished as a vandal by authorities could be hampered now that he’s recognizable as Gunningham, or Jones.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

For nearly a decade, authorities say, an unknown vandal shattered windows and windshields on North Enid Avenue in Azusa.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2024

“The vandal who damaged Flaco’s exhibit jeopardized the safety of the bird and is ultimately responsible for his death,” the statement said.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 23, 2024

“You wouldn’t happen to be the same crackerjack lawman who fell asleep in his car while the vandal trashed our survey stakes, would you?”

From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen