Word
bandwagon
Phoneticsband·wag·on, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbændˌwæɡən/
UK/bˈændwæɡən/
Definition
n. An idea or activity that becomes very popular, causing many other people to start doing it too. You often hear this in the phrase 'jump on the bandwagon'.
n. A popular idea, activity, or cause that attracts growing support, often from people joining only after its mass appeal or success is apparent.
Examples
“Many companies are jumping on the environmental bandwagon.”
“After the technology proved successful, rival firms were quick to jump on the bandwagon with their own versions.”
“The historian noted that investing during a bubble is not savvy strategy but merely jumping on a bandwagon that is already dangerously overcrowded.”
Examples
simple
“Many companies are jumping on the environmental bandwagon.”
contextual
“After the technology proved successful, rival firms were quick to jump on the bandwagon with their own versions.”
complex
“The historian noted that investing during a bubble is not savvy strategy but merely jumping on a bandwagon that is already dangerously overcrowded.”
Real-World Examples
“The trend began with cats, then dogs jumped on the bandwagon.” Etymology
From band + wagon.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/bandwagon