drifter

[ drif-ter ]

noun

1. a person or thing that drifts.
2. a person who goes from place to place, job to job, etc., remaining in each for a short period.
3. Also called drift boat. a boat used in fishing with a drift net.

drifter

/ ˈdrɪftə /

noun

1. a person or thing that drifts
2. a person who moves aimlessly from place to place, usually without a regular job
3. a boat used for drift-net fishing
4. nautical a large jib of thin material used in light breezes

Word History and Origins

Origin of drifter¹

First recorded in 1860–65; drift + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Kristofferson turned that tale into the story of two drifters, who find love on the road and are separated, eventually, by death.

From BBC

Benji, something of a chatty drifter, has never quite found himself, at least not by David’s standards.

From Los Angeles Times

Harris' rise in the polls suggests she may be starting to get some of the drifters back.

From Salon

An unearthed archive of an art lover's interviews with an ageing LS Lowry have revealed he saw himself as "a drifter" who knew a lot of people but "never had a girl".

From BBC

It traces Elmer’s hapless life as an alcoholic drifter turned bungling criminal, and his involuntary second act as a formidably well-embalmed sideshow attraction.

From New York Times

Related Words

• hobo
• transient
• unhoused person