beachcomber

[ beech-koh-mer ]

noun

1. a person who lives by gathering saleable articles of jetsam, refuse, etc., from beaches.
2. a vagrant who lives on the seashore, especially a nonnative person living in such a way on a South Pacific island.
3. a long wave rolling in from the ocean onto the beach.

beachcomber

/ ˈbiːtʃˌkəʊmə /

noun

1. a person who searches shore debris for anything of worth, esp a vagrant living on a beach
2. (in British Columbia) a person who is paid for salvaging loose logs and returning them to logging companies
3. a long high wave rolling onto a beach

Derived Forms

• ˈbeachˌcombing, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of beachcomber¹

First recorded in 1830–40; beach + comber

Example Sentences

The Atlantic surfclam -- its shell well-known to beachcombers in the northeastern U.S. -- is one of the most common species of bivalves in the western Atlantic Ocean.

From Science Daily

There are border crossings on both ends of this saltwater haven, where shallow depths and vast tidal swings generate warm waters that attract beachcombers and birders alike.

From Seattle Times

With his long face, heavy glasses and thinning hair, he padded around the office like a beachcomber in old sneakers, baggy pants and rumpled polo shirts, schmoozing with the staff.

From New York Times

The remains of Sinbad were found on a beach by beachcomber Tracey Williams.

From BBC

By comparison, the shell of a modern mollusk, made of calcium carbonate, cracks easily beneath a beachcomber’s feet.

From New York Times

Related Words

• nomad
• vagabond