Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

to beat the band

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.66 in modern English

Syllables: to beat- the band
IPA

21

Scrabble Score

13

Letters

2

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

adv

In such a way as to surpass all competition; hence, contextually, very vigorously, at a frantic pace, to a high degree.

Example Sentences

"Fifty dollars gold 'd buy beer to beat the band—enough to drown me if I fell in head first."
"Last time I saw you, you were a kiddy in short frocks, running around and shouting to beat the band."
"You rile me to beat the band sometimes, Skinner."

Etymology

Jonathon Green suggests that it means to drown out the band, that is, talk or sing louder than the band. See also beat the band.

Synonyms

a lot beyond compare like the new time

Questions

What does to beat the band mean?: In such a way as to surpass all competition; hence, contextually, very vigorously, at a frantic pace, to a high degree.
Where does to beat the band come from?: Jonathon Green suggests that it means to drown out the band, that is, talk or sing louder than the band. See also beat the band.

How to pronounce to beat the band

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