bambino

American  

[bam-bee-noh, bahm-, bahm-bee-naw] / bæmˈbi noʊ, bɑm-, bɑmˈbi nɔ /

noun

plural

bambinos,

plural

bambini

1. a small child or baby.

2. an image of the infant Jesus.

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bambino British  

/ bæmˈbiːnəʊ /

noun

1. informal a young child, esp an Italian one

2. a representation of the infant Jesus

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Usage

What does bambino mean? Bambino is the Italian word for a "male child or baby." It can also be used as a nickname or term of endearment for a man more generally.

Etymology

Origin of bambino

1755–65; < Italian, equivalent to bamb ( o ) childish (perhaps originally nursery word) + -ino diminutive suffix

Example Sentences

It may not be as bad as bailing on the Bambino, but losing Betts still stings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

The selling of Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1918 inflicted the Curse of the Bambino on the Boston Red Sox for nearly a century.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 16, 2023

The Italian government had sought permission for her to be treated at Bambino Gesu Children’s Hospital in Rome and even granted the baby Italian citizenship.

From Washington Times • Nov. 13, 2023

The baby’s parents had hoped to fly Indi to Italy — where the Vatican’s pediatric hospital, Bambino Gesu, has offered to care for her — or failing that bring the infant home for end-of-life care.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 8, 2023

Her eye fell on the Bambino, resting disgracefully on its wooden head.

From Unfinished Portraits Stories of Musicians and Artists by Lee, Jennette