Hawker: meaning, definitions and examples

🍔
Add to dictionary

hawker

 

[ ˈhɔː.kər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

street food

A hawker is a vendor who sells goods or food on the street or in markets. They often have mobile stalls or carts to sell their products. Hawkers can be found in many countries around the world, offering a wide variety of items such as snacks, drinks, and local delicacies.

Synonyms

peddler, street seller, vendor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
hawker

Used to describe someone who travels around selling goods, often calling out to attract customers. It is commonly used in British English and may have a slightly old-fashioned connotation.

  • The hawker roamed the streets, calling out his wares to the passersby.
  • You can find hawkers selling snacks and drinks at the beach.
vendor

A more formal and general term that can be used to describe someone selling goods or services in various settings, not necessarily on the street. It is neutral and versatile.

  • The vendors at the trade show displayed their latest products.
  • Many street vendors in the city sell delicious local foods.
street seller

Describes someone who sells goods on the street, usually more neutral than 'hawker' or 'peddler'. It doesn’t carry the same old-fashioned or negative connotations.

  • Street sellers in the market offer a variety of fresh produce and snacks.
  • The city is filled with street sellers selling everything from clothes to souvenirs.
peddler

Refers to someone who sells goods in a small amount, often by going from place to place. It's more common in American English and may imply a negative connotation if used to describe someone selling low-quality or illegal goods.

  • A peddler was knocking on doors, offering handmade jewelry.
  • Beware of peddlers who might be selling counterfeit products.

Examples of usage

  • During the festival, the hawker sold delicious kebabs from his food cart.
  • The hawker's stall was popular among locals for its fresh fruit juices.

Translations

Translations of the word "hawker" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vendedor ambulante

🇮🇳 फलवाला

🇩🇪 Straßenhändler

🇮🇩 pedagang keliling

🇺🇦 вуличний торговець

🇵🇱 sprzedawca uliczny

🇯🇵 行商人

🇫🇷 vendeur ambulant

🇪🇸 vendedor ambulante

🇹🇷 seyyar satıcı

🇰🇷 행상인

🇸🇦 بائع متجول

🇨🇿 pouliční prodavač

🇸🇰 pouličný predajca

🇨🇳 小贩

🇸🇮 ulični prodajalec

🇮🇸 götusali

🇰🇿 көшедегі сатушы

🇬🇪 ქუჩის მოვაჭრე

🇦🇿 küçə satıcısı

🇲🇽 vendedor ambulante

Etymology

The term 'hawker' originated in the 12th century and was initially used to describe a person who sold goods by calling out in the streets. Over time, the term evolved to refer specifically to those selling food or goods from mobile stalls. In many cultures, hawkers play a significant role in providing convenient and affordable options for people to purchase items while on the go.

See also: hawk, hawkish.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,806 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.