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.
Hartnett plays a down-on-his luck drifter named Lucas, who wakes up in Bangkok with a hangover, a black eye and his hated ex Katherine (Katee Sackhoff) calling him for a favor. Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025 Hartnett plays a down-on-his luck drifter named Lucas Reyes, who wakes up in Bangkok with a hangover, a black eye, and his hated ex Katherine Brunt (Katee Sackhoff), calling him for a favor. Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 9 May 2025 Also returning are Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz), a drifter and paramour to Doe, and the series’ most recognizable character, the serial killer clown Sweet Tooth (played by Joe Seanoa and voiced by Will Arnett). Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2025 And Who Could Play That Character Yancy Grey (Jack Schumacher), who started the show off as a drifter who landed in Ransom Canyon to try and make quick work of getting close to one Cap Fuller (James Brolin). Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 17 Apr. 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 20 May. 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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