What does bandolier mean?
A bandolier is a broad belt worn over one shoulder and across the chest, designed to carry ammunition in loops or pockets. Historically associated with soldiers, particularly infantrymen armed with muskets or rifles, it allowed quick access to cartridges while keeping both hands free. The word entered English in the early seventeenth century from French 'bandoulière', which itself traces back through Spanish 'bandolera'. Though its military use has largely faded in modern warfare, the bandolier endures as a cultural icon—evoking images of revolutionary fighters, film heroes, and historical reenactors—and it also appears in civilian contexts such as camera straps and fashion accessories inspired by military styling. It is a concrete, evocative word whose meaning is almost entirely tied to its physical form.
nounA broad belt worn over the shoulder, typically fitted with loops or pockets for carrying ammunition.
- A belt worn diagonally over the shoulder, fitted with pockets or loops for carrying ammunition.
"The soldier slung a leather bandolier across his chest before heading to the firing range."
"He adjusted his bandolier as the patrol set out at dawn."
"In the painting, the musketeer wears an ornate bandolier studded with wooden powder charges."
Standard plural; used when referring to multiple belts.
"The quartermaster issued fresh bandoliers to every recruit."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bandolier
Bandolier derives from the French 'bandoulière', meaning a shoulder strap, which was borrowed into English in the early seventeenth century. The French term itself comes from Spanish 'bandolera', related to 'banda' meaning sash or scarf. The word thus reflects the movement of military terminology between Romance languages during the age of pike-and-shot warfare.
Don't confuse with
Both spellings refer to the same ammunition belt; 'bandolier' is the more common modern spelling in British English, while 'bandoleer' is an accepted American variant.