bandwagon

noun

band·​wag·​on ˈband-ˌwa-gən How to pronounce bandwagon (audio)
Synonyms of bandwagon
often attributive
1
: a usually ornate and high wagon for a band of musicians especially in a circus parade
2
: a popular party, faction, or cause that attracts growing support
—often used in such phrases as jump on the bandwagon
3
: a current or fashionable trend

Synonyms of bandwagon

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Examples of bandwagon in a Sentence

tried to get everyone on the bandwagon about forming a neighborhood cleanup
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That’s why jumping on the trend bandwagon isn’t always the right choice. — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2026 Investors who had jumped on the bandwagon appear to be having second thoughts. — Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026 Toyota took heat for years for being slow to jump on the electric-vehicle bandwagon. — Todd C. Frankel, Washington Post, 29 June 2026 But as the buckets continued to be popular, Alamo decided to hop on the bandwagon. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bandwagon

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bandwagon was in 1849

Phrases Containing bandwagon

Rhymes for bandwagon

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Browse Nearby Words

b and w
bandwagon
bandwagon effect
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Cite this Entry

“Bandwagon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bandwagon. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bandwagon

noun
band·​wag·​on ˈban-ˌdwag-ən How to pronounce bandwagon (audio)
1
: a wagon carrying musicians in a parade
2
: a popular movement or activity that attracts growing support
jump on the bandwagon

More from Merriam-Webster on bandwagon

Nglish: Translation of bandwagon for Spanish Speakers

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