layabout

[ ley-uh-bout ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

1. a lazy or idle person; loafer.

layabout

/ ˈleɪəˌbaʊt /

noun

1. a lazy person; loafer

verb

1. old-fashioned.
   preposition, usually intr or reflexive to hit out with violent and repeated blows in all directions

Word History and Origins

Origin of layabout¹

1930–35; noun use of verb phrase lay about, nonstandard variant of lie about

Example Sentences

Sir Rod told Walker he had "propelled the careers of a bunch of unknown layabouts to the top of the charts, and overnight fame and everything that goes with it".

From BBC

Katie sees Rachel as little more than a useless layabout waiting to claim the apartment, even though Rachel had been the live-in caregiver before things turned.

From Los Angeles Times

She has dealt with her share of layabouts, deadbeats and heartbreakers.

From New York Times

This is a grim continuum on which to exist, skating between the poles of high-achieving hustler and dissolute layabout.

From New York Times

Dino is an Italian layabout who dawdles through life on a steady cash drip from his wealthy mother.

From New York Times