interloper
noun
in·ter·lop·er
ˌin-tər-ˈlō-pər 
ˈin-tər-ˌlō-
: one that interlopes: such as
a
: one that intrudes in a place or sphere of activity
b
: an illegal or unlicensed trader
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The History of Interloper
The -loper part of interloper is believed to be either from an English dialectal word meaning "leap" or from a Dutch word meaning "to run." (The prefix inter- means "between" or "among.") An interloper is essentially one that jumps into the midst of things without an invitation to do so.
Examples of interloper in a Sentence
I had hoped to help my neighbors, but they regarded me as an interloper.
summer residents were regarded as interlopers who had no deep commitment to the town's welfare
Recent Examples on the Web
After removing the orb interloper, doctors treated the man with corticosteroids—both oral and eye drop forms—to help with the inflammation.
—
Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2025
But its recurring theme — Ed as a jealous interloper undermining owner Wilbur Post’s domestic life — can be read as a surreal meditation on masculinity, autonomy and repression in suburban America.
—Chris Reed, Oc Register, 30 July 2025
So begins Phillip Howze’s experimental, often confounding play that draws on theatrical traditions of absurdism, burlesque and commedia dell’arte to satirize a slew of Western interlopers, from humanitarian nonprofits to predatory capitalists.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 24 July 2025
Despite its dominant presence, astronomers believe this stunning centerpiece is actually a cosmic interloper — a runaway star that may have originated in a nearby stellar nursery.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for interloper
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Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2025
But its recurring theme — Ed as a jealous interloper undermining owner Wilbur Post’s domestic life — can be read as a surreal meditation on masculinity, autonomy and repression in suburban America.
—Chris Reed, Oc Register, 30 July 2025
So begins Phillip Howze’s experimental, often confounding play that draws on theatrical traditions of absurdism, burlesque and commedia dell’arte to satirize a slew of Western interlopers, from humanitarian nonprofits to predatory capitalists.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 24 July 2025
Despite its dominant presence, astronomers believe this stunning centerpiece is actually a cosmic interloper — a runaway star that may have originated in a nearby stellar nursery.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for interloper
Cite this Entry
“Interloper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interloper. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
interloper
noun
in·ter·lop·er
ˌint-ər-ˈlō-pər
ˈint-ər-ˌlō-pər
: a person who intrudes or interferes wrongly or meddlesomely
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