wayfarer

noun

way·​far·​er ˈwā-ˌfer-ər 

: a traveler especially on foot

wayfaring

ˈwā-ˌfer-iŋ 

adjective

Synonyms of wayfarer

• wanderer
• traveler
• nomad
• drifter

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

Despite the different sunglass trends that are out there—tiny sunglasses, cat-eyes, wayfarers—aviators continue to remain Aniston’s favorite. — Samantha Sutton, InStyle, 22 July 2026

In high school, my friends and I became subway wayfarers, traveling in search of great high-school games. — Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026

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

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

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

Rhymes for wayfarer

• cupbearer
• declarer
• preparer
• repairer
• seafarer
• bearer
• carer
• error
• fairer
• ferrer
• rarer
• sharer

Kids Definition

wayfarer

noun

way·​far·​er ˈwā-ˌfar-ər 

-ˌfer-

: a traveler especially on foot

wayfaring

-ˌfar-iŋ 

-ˌfer-

adjective