bandanna
UK[bænˈdænə]US[bænˈdænə]
n
A large brightly coloured piece of cloth you wear around your head or neck.
Etymology
The word 'bandanna' entered English in the mid-18th century from the Hindi word 'bāṅdhnū', which refers to a method of dyeing fabric. This Hindi term is derived from the Sanskrit 'badhnāti', meaning 'he ties', a verb from the root 'bandh-' (to bind). The name reflects the traditional tie-dyeing technique used to produce the cloth's distinctive patterns. Through trade and colonial contact, the word, along with the garment itself, was absorbed into English, retaining its association with a large, often colourful, kerchief.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword. Its spelling and form were adopted as a whole from its source language.
Examples
She wore a red bandanna to keep the dust out of her hair.
The pirate captain was easily recognized by his black bandanna and eye patch.
He used a damp bandanna to wipe the sweat from his forehead.