A group of people who do something together, especially musicians who play music as a team. It can also mean a flat strip or loop of material used to hold things together.
It comes from Old Norse “band” and Old French “bande,” meaning a strip, tie, or troop. The idea of a strip that holds things together grew into the sense of a group joined for a purpose.
A “band” of musicians and a rubber “band” share the same core idea: things being held together. Whether it’s people united by music or papers tied by a strip, the word always hints at connection.
In music, 'band' historically evoked male‑dominated ensembles, particularly in rock, jazz, and marching traditions, where women were often excluded or relegated to vocals. The industry frequently marketed 'girl bands' as a niche or novelty while treating all‑male bands as the unmarked norm.
Use 'band' without assuming members' genders, and avoid treating women‑led or mixed‑gender bands as exceptions. When giving examples, include bands with diverse gender representation.
["music group","ensemble"]
Women and non‑binary musicians have been central to band innovation across genres—as instrumentalists, composers, and leaders—even when credits, promotion, and press minimized their roles.
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