English · Word Candidate

bravo

/ˈbɹɑvoʊ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: bravos · bravoes · bravi · bravoing

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A hired soldier; an assassin; a desperado.

Noun

Examples

As for Rochester, he had not genius enough to enter the lists with Dryden, so he fell upon another method of revenge; and meanly hired bravoes to assault him.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A shout of "bravo!"

Noun

Examples

There was a roar of bravoes rang through the house; Pen bellowing with the loudest.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Used to express acclaim, especially to a performer.

Interjection

Examples

Bravo, you have done a brilliant job!

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To cheer or applaud, especially by saying bravo!

Verb

Examples

"And my Sunbeam was bravoed, and encored, and crowned with flowers, was she not?"

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “bravo” mean?

A hired soldier; an assassin; a desperado.

Is “bravo” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.

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