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

Other new arrivals included the Choukara bag inspired by the traditional saddle bags carried by nomadic peoples. — Katie Abel, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Born in Ohio, Steinem grew up poor, the daughter of a nomadic antique dealer father and an ex-journalist mother who spent time in psychiatric hospitals. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 22 Sep. 2026

An investigation is underway to establish the definitive cause of the deaths inside the area where wildlife including lions, elephants and black rhinos live in proximity with semi-nomadic Maasai pastoralists. — ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026

Despite a nomadic few years in his club career, Rodriguez has remained a regular member of the Colombian national team and started as captain in all five of his nation’s World Cup matches this summer. — Colin Millar, New York Times, 15 Sep. 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