nomadic

adjective

no·​mad·​ic nō-ˈma-dik 

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of nomads

a nomadic tribe

nomadic herders

2

: roaming about from place to place aimlessly, frequently, or without a fixed pattern of movement

a nomadic hobo

Synonyms of nomadic

• nomad

Examples of nomadic in a Sentence

raised in a nomadic family, she attended half a dozen different high schools

Recent Examples on the Web

Beijing has appointed its own senior monks, maintained close surveillance and controls on religious expression, and faced allegations of cracking down on peaceful dissent and forcing the large-scale relocation of rural and nomadic Tibetans. — CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

Astronomers have struggled to answer this question because these nomadic black holes are practically invisible in the outskirts of galaxies. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 29 July 2026

Explore the dunes on a Bactrian camel and visit a local nomadic family to learn more about life in the Gobi and the traditions that continue to shape the region. — Undraa Buyannemekh, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026

The off-grid lodge was founded by Angela Lankford and her Tibetan husband, Djarga, a local expert on nomadic heritage. — Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek nomadikós "of a shepherd or herdsman, pastoral," from nomad-, nomás "wanderer, shepherd, nomad" + -ikos -ic entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nomadic

• dyadic
• faradic
• monadic
• sporadic
• triadic
• haddock
• paddock