band crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the crossword clue "band", you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of answers, ranging from common meanings to more obscure interpretations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "band crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RING: A circular piece of material, often worn on a finger or used for binding.
GANG: An organized group of people, sometimes used to describe a band of outlaws or adventurers.
5 Letters
GROUP: A number of people or things, especially a musical ensemble.
STRIP: A long, narrow piece of material, often used as a band or border.
TROOP: A group of people or animals, similar to a band of scouts or monkeys.
6 Letters
RUBBER: A common material used for elastic bands, often short for 'rubber band'.
STRIPE: A long, narrow band or line differing in color or texture from the surface beside it.
8 Letters
ALLIANCE: A formal agreement or union between groups or states, forming a 'band' of allies.
ENSEMBLE: A group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together, a synonym for a musical band.
9 Letters
ORCHESTRA: A large classical music ensemble, a prominent type of musical band.
More About "band crossword clue"
The crossword clue "band" is a classic example of a word with multiple meanings that can trip up even experienced solvers. The term "band" can refer to a musical group (rock band, jazz band, orchestra), a thin strip of material (rubber band, hair band, measuring band), a decorative stripe, a specific type of ring (wedding band), or even a group of people with a common purpose (a band of brothers, a criminal gang). This polysemy is what makes it a versatile and often challenging clue.
When encountering "band" in a crossword, your first step should always be to consider the letter count provided. This immediately narrows down the possibilities significantly. For instance, if the answer is 4 letters, 'RING' or 'GANG' might be viable. If it's 9 letters, 'ORCHESTRA' becomes a strong candidate. Additionally, look for other words in the clue that provide context or subtle hints about which meaning of "band" the setter intends. Words like "concert," "elastic," "finger," or "outlaws" will steer you towards the correct interpretation.
Understanding the various facets of "band" in the English language is key to mastering this clue. Crossword setters love words that have a broad range of applications, as it allows them to create clever and misleading clues. By being aware of these different meanings and combining that knowledge with letter count and contextual clues, you'll greatly improve your success rate with "band" and similar polysemous words.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: When faced with a polysemous word like "band," always brainstorm all its possible definitions before committing to an answer.
- Utilize Letter Counts: The number of letters in the answer is your most powerful tool. It eliminates many possibilities instantly.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: Even if the direct answer isn't immediately obvious, think of synonyms or related terms for each meaning of the clue.
- Cross-Reference: Use intersecting words to confirm your suspicions. If a letter from a potential answer fits perfectly with another word you're confident about, you're likely on the right track.
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: Some clues might be humorous, scientific, or historical. The tone can sometimes hint at the specific meaning of a word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common meanings of "band" in crosswords?
The word 'band' is highly versatile in crosswords. It can refer to a musical group (like 'ensemble' or 'orchestra'), an elastic strip (like 'rubber' or 'strap'), a narrow piece of material ('strip' or 'ribbon'), a ring ('circlet'), or even a group of people with a common purpose ('gang' or 'troop'). Context within the clue is key.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like 'group' and 'ensemble' for 'band' clues?
The best way is to pay attention to the letter count required by the puzzle. For instance, 'group' is 5 letters, while 'ensemble' is 8. Also, look for other words in the clue that might hint at a specific type of band, such as 'symphony' for 'orchestra' or 'rock' for 'group'.
Why is the letter count so important for 'band' clues?
The letter count is crucial because 'band' is a polysemous word, meaning it has many different meanings and, consequently, many possible answers of varying lengths. Knowing the exact number of letters helps you narrow down the possibilities significantly, guiding you toward the correct solution among synonyms.