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

It says there was an arch built there in 1913, but it burned down in 1937, possibly as a result of hobos.

From Vox

The men acted as modern hobos during a 400-mile, multi-stage trek, avoiding cops, depending on the occasional kindness of strangers, waking to hard rains on raw mornings.

From The Daily Beast

Right now, the area’s most famous feathered hobo is a painted bunting.

From Washington Post

Maybe you can only afford a penny a day, for a total donation of $3.65 per year, and become a Sustaining Hobo member!

From The Daily Beast

Then as Hobo took his stand where he could view proceedings, the boy turned abruptly to Peggy.

From Project Gutenberg

Hobo growled softly, the hair on his neck bristling and giving him a peculiarly savage appearance.

From Project Gutenberg

She marched out into the kitchen, Hobo following, and as she reached the door, the knocking began for the third time.

From Project Gutenberg

Hobo stretched himself upon the folded rug with a groan startlingly human.

From Project Gutenberg

The "Hobo" is that part of a prison where the minor offenders are confined together in a large iron cage.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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