Nomads: meaning, definitions and examples

🏜️

Add to dictionary

nomads

[ˈnəʊmædz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

travelers

Nomads are people who move from place to place rather than settling in one location. They often travel in search of food, water, or better living conditions.

Synonyms

itinerants, roamers, wanderers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
nomads	Typically used to describe people or groups who have no permanent home and move from place to place, often with livestock, following seasonal patterns. The nomads moved their herds to greener pastures. Ancient nomads often relied on the stars for navigation.
wanderers	Describes people who move from place to place, often without a fixed plan or direction. It can be used in both positive and negative connotations depending on the context. The poetic verses spoke about the life of lonely wanderers. She saw herself as a wanderer, always seeking new adventures.
itinerants	Usually refers to people who travel from place to place for work or other purposes. This term is often used in a historical or professional context. The itinerant workers followed the harvest season around the country. In the 19th century, itinerant preachers played a big role in spreading new religious movements.
roamers	Refers to individuals who wander around without a fixed route or destination. This term can sometimes carry a sense of aimlessness. The village children were known as roamers, exploring the countryside. He became a roamer, never settling in one place for long.

Examples of usage

They lived as nomads, following their herds across the grasslands.
The nomads set up camp near the river for the night.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sociology

In sociology, nomads are individuals or groups who do not have a permanent home and constantly move within a region or territory.

Synonyms

drifters, gypsies, vagabonds.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
nomads	Nomads are people who move from place to place, often in search of food, grazing land, or work. This term is often used in a cultural or anthropological context to describe traditional or indigenous groups. The nomads set up camp near the river for the summer. Many historians study the lifestyle of ancient nomads.
gypsies	Gypsies is an outdated and often pejorative term that refers to the Romani people, an ethnic group of traditionally itinerant people. It's advisable to use 'Romani' or 'Roma' instead due to the negative connotations and historical mistreatment associated with 'Gypsies'. It's important to use 'Romani' instead of 'Gypsies' to avoid negative connotations. The Romani people have a rich cultural history.
vagabonds	Vagabonds are people who wander from place to place without a fixed home. The term often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of responsibility or stability. The novel tells the tale of a vagabond who traveled across the country with no particular destination. In old times, vagabonds were often looked down upon by society.
drifters	Drifters are individuals who wander without a fixed home or purpose. This term often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying aimlessness or instability. He lived like a drifter, never staying in one town for long. Drifters often move from job to job without settling down.

Examples of usage

The nomads in this region have a unique culture that has developed over generations.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word 'nomad' comes from the Greek word 'nomads', meaning 'one who wanders'.
Nomadic lifestyles date back to ancient times, where groups roamed to find food and shelter.
Some of the earliest known nomads were the Mongolian steppes' horse-riding tribes.

Cultural Importance

Nomadic cultures often have rich oral traditions, passing down stories and knowledge through generations.
Many nomads have unique skills in animal husbandry and understanding the land, which help them thrive in diverse environments.
In some societies, nomadic life is entwined with spiritual beliefs and practices, influencing festivals and ceremonies.

Modern Context

Today, digital nomads use technology to work while traveling, blending modern work-life with a nomadic lifestyle.
Migration due to climate change has led some communities to adopt nomadic practices to adapt to new environments.
Urban nomadism is on the rise, as people move frequently in search of job opportunities or a better lifestyle.

Science

Studies on nomadic diets reveal that they often include a variety of nutrients based on seasonal availability.
Research shows that nomadic communities exhibit different social structures compared to settled societies.
Some nomadic groups have developed special techniques for navigating vast landscapes without modern tools.

Literature

Nomadic themes appear in various novels, highlighting the freedom and challenges of constant movement.
Famous works explore the lives of nomadic tribes, painting vivid pictures of their struggles and joys.
Literature often reflects the philosophical insights nomads have about belonging and identity.

Translations

Translations of the word "nomads" in other languages:

🇵🇹 nômades

🇮🇳 खानाबदोश

🇩🇪 Nomaden

🇮🇩 pengembara

🇺🇦 кочівники

🇵🇱 nomadzi

🇯🇵 遊牧民

🇫🇷 nomades

🇪🇸 nómadas

🇹🇷 göçebeler

🇰🇷 유목민

🇸🇦 البدو

🇨🇿 nomádi

🇸🇰 nomádi

🇨🇳 游牧民

🇸🇮 nomadi

🇮🇸 hirðingjar

🇰🇿 көшпенділер

🇬🇪 მომთაბარეები

🇦🇿 köçərilər

🇲🇽 nómadas

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,229, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19226 acne
19227 subjunctive
19228 rationalize
19229 nomads
19230 cheery
19231 chants
19232 scurvy
...