1 bantam | Definition of bantam

bantam

noun
ban·​tam | \ ˈban-təm How to pronounce bantam (audio) \

Definition of bantam

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1 : any of numerous small domestic fowls that are often miniatures of members of the standard breeds
2 : a person of diminutive stature and often combative disposition

bantam

adjective

Definition of bantam (Entry 2 of 3)

2 : pertly combative

Bantam

geographical name
Ban·​tam | \ ˈban-təm How to pronounce Bantam (audio) \

Definition of Bantam (Entry 3 of 3)

former town of Indonesia in the northwestern corner of Java; once capital of the Sultanate of Bantam

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Examples of bantam in a Sentence

Adjective

a bantam comedian who is known to fellow performers for his oversize ego

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

And for decades, one bantam-sized tailor has outfitted more than his share of hulking hockey stars. Giovanni Vacca, 86, stands about 5-foot-5 and sports a black suit, V-neck sweater and dress shirt. — Salim Valji, New York Times, "Suiting Up Hockey’s Stars, One Stitch At a Time," 10 June 2019 Times are 9 to 10:30 a.m. for mites (8 and under) and squirts (10 and under) and 10:30 a.m. to noon for peewees (12 and under) and bantams (17 and under). — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Women’s group serves meal at Camp Pendleton’s Fisher House," 7 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bantam.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of bantam

Noun

1740, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for bantam

Noun

Bantam, former residency in Java

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More Definitions for bantam

bantam

noun

English Language Learners Definition of bantam

: a kind of small chicken

bantam

noun
ban·​tam | \ ˈban-təm
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