wayfarer

noun

way·​far·​er ˈwā-ˌfer-ər How to pronounce wayfarer (audio)
Synonyms of wayfarernext
: a traveler especially on foot
wayfaring adjective

Examples of wayfarer in a Sentence

one of the great wayfarers of American folklore, Johnny Appleseed wandered across the country, always planting apple seeds
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.
The thugs would insinuate themselves into the confidence of wayfarers and, when a favorable opportunity presented itself, strangle them by throwing a handkerchief or noose around their necks. Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026 Add in accessories like a matching leather clutch, boots, and wayfarer sunglasses to be styled to perfection. Ariel Bielsky, InStyle, 1 Jan. 2026 Our favorite budget sunnies for all outdoor activities, the Goodr OG is a wayfarer-style frame with lenses that cannot be beat for the price. Will Porter, Outside, 5 Nov. 2025 On Wednesday, at the Tom Ford catwalk, it was scraped back and waxed into a devil-may-care quiff style and worn with a pair of wayfarer-esque sunglasses also by the house. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wayfarer

Word History

Etymology

Middle English weyfarere, from wey, way way + -farere traveler, from faren to go — more at fare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wayfarer was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wayfarer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wayfarer. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

wayfarer

noun
way·​far·​er ˈwā-ˌfar-ər How to pronounce wayfarer (audio)
-ˌfer-
: a traveler especially on foot
wayfaring
-ˌfar-iŋ How to pronounce wayfarer (audio)
-ˌfer-
adjective

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