Mendicant: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone who relies on begging or charity to survive. It can also refer to members of certain religious orders who depend on alms.

• The old mendicant sat quietly by the monastery's gate.
• Medieval towns often had mendicant friars traveling through them, asking for alms.

This is a common word used to describe someone who asks for money or food on the streets. It can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of self-sufficiency or an unfortunate situation.

• The beggar sat on the sidewalk with a cup for coins.
• Children were taught to be kind to beggars and give them what they could spare.

This word is commonly used in American English and often refers to someone who asks strangers for money in public places. It has a somewhat negative connotation.

• The panhandler approached every passerby, asking for spare change.
• In the city, panhandlers are commonly seen on busy street corners.

This word typically describes someone who has no permanent home and often moves from place to place. It can carry a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of stability and purpose.

• The vagrant wandered through the town with his possessions in a tattered backpack.
• Authorities are addressing the issue of vagrants sleeping in public parks.