Nomads: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Gypsies is an outdated and often pejorative term that refers to the Romani people, an ethnic group of traditionally itinerant people.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 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 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.