perambulator

[ per-am-byuh-ley-ter ]

noun

1. Chiefly British: Older Use. a baby carriage; pram.
2. an odometer pushed by a person walking.
3. (formerly) a person who makes a tour of inspection on foot.

perambulator

/ pəˈræmbjʊˌleɪtə /

noun

1. a formal word for pram 1
2. a wheel-like instrument used by surveyors to measure distances

Word History and Origins

Origin of perambulator¹

First recorded in 1605–15; 1850–55 perambulator fordef 1; from Medieval Latin “inspector, surveyor”; from Latin perambulāt-, past participle stem of perambulāre “to ramble, stroll”; perambulate, -or;

Example Sentences

A perambulator, Katchor has always been expert at capturing the texture and sociology of vanishing aspects of city life.

From New York Times

It was as thick around its girth as a perambulator.

From Literature

In one exchange, he said: "Mr Speaker, we have got perambulators and nannies into this session, which I think must be a first for questions to the Leader of the House."

From BBC

But San Francisco coaxed out my inner perambulator.

From New York Times

On the way we meet the fleeing inhabitants trundling their goods and chattels along with them in wheelbarrows, in perambulators, and on their backs.

From Literature

Related Words

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