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Glite Dictionary
banderilla

banderilla

1 9.9
A decorated sharp stick with small points put into a bull's neck or shoulders during a bullfight
  • noun
  • /ˌbændəˈriːjə/
  • NSFW
: banderilla
  • The matador skillfully placed each banderilla into the bull's shoulders.

Examples

  • Traditionally, two banderillas are used during this stage of the bullfight.

  • Spectators cheered as the banderilla was fixed with precision.

  • The banderilla is colorful.

  • Look at that banderilla!

  • The matador skillfully placed each banderilla into the bull's shoulders.

  • Traditionally, two banderillas are used during this stage of the bullfight.

  • Spectators cheered as the banderilla was fixed with precision.

Surface Forms

banderilla singular
banderillas plural

Etymology

Banderilla comes from the Spanish word bandera, which means 'flag', with a small ending that makes it 'little', and it is like the English banner. That's why a banderilla is a bright, flag-like dart that is stuck into the bull during a bullfight.