drifter

noun

drift·​er ˈdrif-tər How to pronounce drifter (audio)
: one that drifts
especially : one that travels or moves about aimlessly

Examples of drifter in a Sentence

He was a drifter who hitchhiked from state to state. the drifter just packed up and moved on to the next dead-end job
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Meanwhile, Dickinson, Babygirl actor and a relative newcomer to A-list stardom, will debut his feature film Urchin, about a drifter (Frank Dillane) on the streets of London. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025 Based on Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novel series, the show stars Ritchson as the infamous ex-military police officer and drifter who uses his combat skills (and intimidating stature) to take down dangerous criminals. Emily Blackwood, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025 She is guided on her way by Boyce (Dave Bautista), a drifter who is one of few able to navigate the Lost Lands. Shania Russell, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2025 Millie Bobby Brown will star as an orphaned teenager searching for her brother across a post-apocalyptic American West, joined by a loveable robot and a drifter (Chris Pratt). Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for drifter

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drifter was in 1897

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drifter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drifter. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

drifter

noun
drift·​er ˈdrif-tər How to pronounce drifter (audio)
: one that drifts
especially : a person who travels about without purpose

More from Merriam-Webster on drifter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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