VocabDictionary
🇬🇧English to English[join the bandwagon]

join the bandwagon

/dʒɔɪn ðə ˈbændˌwæɡən/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.idiom

To adopt a certain activity, trend, or opinion because it has become popular or fashionable.

Example Sentences:
  • After the film won several Oscars, many people who initially criticized it decided to join the bandwagon.
  • When the local team started winning championship games, local businesses were quick to join the bandwagon and sponsor them.
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Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “join the bandwagon”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from 19th-century American politics, where a 'bandwagon' was a wagon carrying a musical band in circus parades and political campaigns. Politicians would invite influential figures to ride on the bandwagon to attract attention and demonstrate growing support, leading to the phrase 'jump' or 'join' the bandwagon to describe adopting a popular trend or cause.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Picture a festive band playing music on a moving wagon, and everyone is running up to climb aboard because it looks like fun.

Frequently Asked Questions About “join the bandwagon

1. What is the meaning of “join the bandwagon” in English?

In English, join the bandwagon (idiom) is defined as: “To adopt a certain activity, trend, or opinion because it has become popular or fashionable.”.

2. How do you use “join the bandwagon” in a sentence?

After the film won several Oscars, many people who initially criticized it decided to join the bandwagon.

3. What are English synonyms of “join the bandwagon”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “join the bandwagon”?

Derived from 19th-century American politics, where a 'bandwagon' was a wagon carrying a musical band in circus parades and political campaigns. Politicians would invite influential figures to ride on the bandwagon to attract attention and demonstrate growing support, leading to the phrase 'jump' or 'join' the bandwagon to describe adopting a popular trend or cause.