Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Drifter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🚶‍♂️
Add to dictionary

drifter

[ˈdrɪftər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

person

A person who moves from place to place without a fixed home or job.

Synonyms

nomad, vagabond, wanderer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
drifter

This word is used to describe someone who has no fixed home or job and moves from place to place without a clear purpose. It often carries a connotation of instability.

  • He spent most of his twenties as a drifter, going from town to town without any clear goals.
  • The drifter seemed to appear out of nowhere, looking for temporary work.
wanderer

This term is used to describe someone who enjoys roaming and exploring without a specific destination, often with a sense of curiosity or adventure. It generally has a neutral or positive connotation.

  • As a wanderer, she loved to explore new trails and paths in the forest.
  • The wanderer's tales of distant lands captivated the audience.
vagabond

This word is used to describe someone who wanders from place to place without a fixed home, often with an implication of laziness or irresponsibility. It has a more negative connotation.

  • The vagabond was seen begging on the streets, living a life without structure.
  • Living like a vagabond, he shirked all responsibilities and roamed the countryside.
nomad

This word is often used to describe someone who travels from place to place but typically in the context of a simple, intentional lifestyle or traditional way of life, such as certain ethnic groups or modern digital nomads.

  • The nomads moved their tents to a new location as the seasons changed.
  • As a digital nomad, she works remotely from different countries around the world.

Examples of usage

  • He lived as a drifter, traveling from city to city.
  • The drifter had a backpack and a guitar, always ready to move on.
Context #2 | Noun

car

A car that is designed for sliding sideways around corners at high speeds.

Synonyms

drift car, drift machine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
drifter

Refers to a person who moves from place to place without a fixed home or job.

  • He lived his life as a drifter, never staying in one town for too long
  • The drifter wandered into the small town, looking for a place to stay
drift car

Common in motorsports, a car specially designed or modified to perform controlled drifts, typically used in drift racing.

  • The garage had several drift cars ready for the upcoming race
  • He spent years modifying his car into the perfect drift car
drift machine

A general term for any vehicle or equipment specifically designed for drifting, often used more intensely in motorsports.

  • The drift machine roared through the track, leaving clouds of smoke behind
  • She bought the latest drift machine to compete in next week's event

Examples of usage

  • The modified sports car was a drifter, perfect for drifting competitions.
  • He was known for his skills in controlling the drifter around tight turns.
Context #3 | Noun

ice

A piece of floating ice.

Synonyms

ice floe, ice raft.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
drifter

A 'drifter' is typically used to describe a person who moves from place to place without a permanent home or steady job. This word often has a negative connotation, implying aimlessness or lack of responsibility.

  • He's been a drifter ever since he dropped out of college.
  • The drifter wandered into town looking for temporary work.
ice floe

An 'ice floe' is a large, flat piece of floating ice you might encounter in polar regions or during sea navigation in cold climates. It's often discussed in scientific, navigational, or environmental contexts.

  • The ship carefully navigated through the ice floe to avoid collisions.
  • Polar bears are often seen resting on ice floes as they hunt for seals.
ice raft

An 'ice raft' refers to a smaller, often manually constructed or naturally formed platform of ice that floats on water. It can also be used in scientific contexts to describe the movement of ice carrying sediments across bodies of water.

  • The scientists used an ice raft to study the movements of sea ice.
  • The children built a small ice raft to play on the frozen lake.

Examples of usage

  • We saw a drifter in the distance, slowly drifting away from the main iceberg.
  • The penguins used the drifter as a resting spot in the icy waters.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, drifters often symbolize freedom and the search for identity, reflecting themes of adventure and self-discovery.
  • Famous characters like Jack Kerouac's Sal Paradise in 'On the Road' embody the life of a drifter, representing a quest for meaning and experience.

Pop Culture

  • Drifters are often romanticized in movies and songs, depicted as free spirits, like in the classic 'Easy Rider,' which explores the lives of motorcycle travelers.
  • The concept of drifting has inspired various art forms, leading to the creation of a subculture that celebrates nomadic lifestyles.

Psychology

  • Psychologically, the life of a drifter can reflect a desire for freedom, adventure, and sometimes an escape from societal norms.
  • Research suggests that some people are drawn to a wandering lifestyle as a way to cope with dissatisfaction or as a form of self-exploration.

History

  • Historically, drifters often appeared during economic downturns, seeking new opportunities in various regions, particularly during the Great Depression.
  • The term has also been associated with the 'hobo' culture, where individuals traveled in search of work, later becoming a part of American folklore.

Origin of 'drifter'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'drifter' likely comes from the word 'drift', which means to be carried along by currents or winds.
  • Originally, it referred to someone who was aimlessly wandering, especially at sea or in remote areas.

The word 'drifter' originated in the late 19th century, derived from the verb 'drift' which means to be carried along by currents of air or water. Initially used to describe a person who wanders or moves aimlessly, the term later expanded to refer to various contexts such as cars and ice. Today, 'drifter' remains a versatile word with multiple meanings.

See also: adrift, drift, drifters, drifting.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,747 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.