Vagabond

/ˈvæɡəbɑːnd/ noun

Definition

A person who wanders from place to place without a home or job; a wanderer or homeless person.

Etymology

From Latin 'vagabundus,' derived from 'vagari' meaning 'to wander.' The root connects to 'vague' which originally meant 'wandering.'

Kelly Says

The word 'vagabond' has romantic and negative meanings—it can evoke freedom and adventure (like Jack Kerouac's wanderers) but historically was used as a crime charge against poor homeless people, showing how language reflects social attitudes.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.