Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Drifters Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🚗
Add to dictionary

drifters

[ˈdrɪftərz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

group of people

Drifters refer to individuals who move from place to place without a fixed home or job. They often live a transient lifestyle, seeking temporary work or shelter wherever they go.

Synonyms

nomads, vagrants, wanderers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
drifters

Used to describe people who move from place to place without a fixed home or destination, often aimlessly. This term can have a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of purpose or stability.

  • He was a drifter, never staying in one town for more than a few months
  • The drifters gathered at the edge of the city, not knowing where they would go next
vagrants

Describes people who wander from place to place without a home or job, often living by begging. This word has a negative connotation, suggesting that the person is homeless and potentially involved in unlawful activities.

  • The police rounded up the vagrants sleeping in the park
  • As the town grew, it attracted more and more vagrants
nomads

Refers to people who move regularly from one place to another, traditionally with their livestock, in search of fresh pastures. It has a neutral or sometimes even positive connotation, indicating a lifestyle chosen according to cultural patterns.

  • The nomads of the desert move in search of water and grazing land
  • For centuries, nomads have roamed the savannahs, following the seasonal migration of animals
wanderers

Used for people who travel without a fixed course or destination. This term can evoke a sense of adventure or romanticism, but it also can imply a lack of direction.

  • The wanderers were captivated by the uncharted landscapes and endless horizons
  • As a wanderer, she found joy in the unexpected paths and hidden gems of the countryside

Examples of usage

  • The city park is often frequented by drifters looking for a place to rest.
  • The local shelter provides support for drifters in need of a warm meal and a bed for the night.
Context #2 | Noun

automotive

In the automotive context, drifters are vehicles that intentionally slide sideways through corners at high speeds. This sport, known as drifting, involves controlled oversteering to maintain a continuous slide around curves.

Synonyms

drift cars, drift machines.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
drifters

When used in the context of motorsports or car culture, this term can refer to individuals who participate in drifting events or races. It has a neutral or positive connotation.

  • The drifters gathered at the track, each eager to show off their skills.
  • He became one of the most well-known drifters in the racing community.
drift cars

This phrase is used to describe cars that are specially modified or built for the sport of drifting, which involves controlled slides around curves. It is commonly used in the context of motorsports.

  • He spent thousands of dollars modifying his vehicle into one of the best drift cars in the competition.
  • Drift cars are known for their powerful engines and specialized tires.
drift machines

This term refers to highly specialized vehicles built or modified explicitly for drifting. It emphasizes the technical and performance aspects of the vehicle.

  • The garage showcased several drift machines ready for the weekend's race.
  • His latest drift machine was a beast on the track, outperforming all others.

Examples of usage

  • The drifters showcased their skills at the annual drifting competition.
  • He modified his car to better suit the needs of a drifter.

Translations

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

Origin of 'drifters'

The term 'drifters' originated in the early 20th century, initially used to describe individuals who wandered from place to place seeking work during the Great Depression. Over time, the term expanded to encompass a broader range of meanings, including both transient individuals and automotive enthusiasts. The popularity of drifting as a motorsport further solidified the association of 'drifters' with high-speed sideways driving. Today, the term continues to be used in both contexts, reflecting the diverse connotations it has acquired throughout its history.

See also: adrift, drift, drifter, drifting.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,748 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.