banda
1 of 3noun (1)
ban·da ˈban-də 
plural bandas
: a thatched house of central Africa
banda
2 of 3noun (2)
ban·da ˈbän-dä
plural bandas
: an onstage instrumental ensemble in an opera
In Rigoletto the banda (stage band) and in La Traviata the orchestra open their respective first acts with the main musical ideas …
Martin Chusid, Verdi's Middle Period, 1997
Martin Chusid, Verdi's Middle Period, 1997banda
3 of 3noun (3)
ban·da ˈbän-dä
plural bandas
1
: a Mexican band traditionally featuring brass instruments, tambora, and often woodwinds and singers
He told me that the banda had visited the United States already in 1948 to play in Los Angeles on the Fourth of July, American Independence Day. Helena Simonett, Banda, 2001
Helena Simonett, Banda, 2001called also tambora
2
: music played by a banda
While regional Mexican music incorporates other traditional styles, banda is unique in its energizing percussive power and commanding horns. Billboard, 15 Nov. 2003
Billboard, 15 Nov. 2003called also tambora
Word History
Etymology
Noun (1)
borrowed from Swahili
Noun (2)
borrowed from Italian, "troop, band, band of musicians," borrowed from Middle French bande and Old Occitan banda band entry 3
Noun (3)
borrowed from Spanish, "group, troop, band of musicians," in part borrowed from French bande band entry 3, in part continuing earlier banda "flock, herd," perhaps of pre-Latin origin
First Known Use
Noun (2)
circa 1980, in the meaning defined above
Noun (3)
1981, in the meaning defined above