rolling stone

noun

1. a restless or wandering person

Idioms and Phrases

A person who moves about a great deal and never settles down, as in Kate's lived in ten cities in as many years—she's a real rolling stone . This expression is a shortening of the proverb a rolling stone gathers no moss , first recorded in 1523, which indicates that one who never settles anywhere will not do well. After some 300 years of this interpretation, in the mid-1800s the value of gathering moss (and staying put) began to be questioned, and in current usage the term is most often used without any particular value judgment.

Example Sentences

Neither promoter Goldenvoice nor representatives for each artist responded to requests for comment on the bill, but outlets including Rolling Stone have cited them as likely or confirmed performers.

From Los Angeles Times

Rolling Stone reported that marijuana was found in the car.

From Los Angeles Times

A 2005 screed alleging the link, published jointly by Rolling Stone and Salon.com, was so stuffed with falsehoods that it was retracted by both publications.

From Los Angeles Times

Advisers have cautioned surrogates and allies to keep the charged term out of their remarks, Rolling Stone claims, to avoid “the concentration camps framing” that dogged Trump's campaign.

From Salon

He was previously an editor at Rolling Stone and the Village Voice.

From New York Times

Related Words

• hobo
• transient
• unhoused person