hobo

[ hoh-boh ]

noun

, plural ho·bos, ho·boes.

1. a tramp or vagrant.
2. a migratory worker.

hobo

/ ˈhəʊbəʊ /

noun

1. a tramp; vagrant
2. a migratory worker, esp an unskilled labourer

Derived Forms

• ˈhoboism, noun

Other Words From

• hobo·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hobo¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of hobo¹

C19 (US): origin unknown

Example Sentences

When you think about the folk era, when it was really hot — burning hot — it was hobos on freighters writing songs about social injustice.

From Los Angeles Times

The network once demanded that they change the line “that albino stole my midget” to “that madman stole my hobo.”

From Los Angeles Times

Yes, it wasn't a boy; it was a little girl, but I couldn't tell because she was dressed like a hobo.

From Salon

A hobo could crawl up her steps and faint from hunger and she wouldn’t give him a dime.

From Literature

The trilogy includes “The Areas of My Expertise,” a book that contains, among other things, a list of 700 hobo names.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• drifter
• homeless person
• tramp
• unhoused person
• wanderer