Finesentence logo

Straggler: meaning, definitions and examples

🚶
Add to dictionary

straggler

 

[ ˈstræɡ.lər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

person

A person who is wandering or moving slowly and uncertainly in a specified direction.

Synonyms

laggard, lingerer, wanderer

Examples of usage

  • The straggler at the back of the group struggled to keep up.
  • The stragglers finally arrived at the finish line after everyone else.
Context #2 | Noun

military

A member of a group that has become separated from the main force in a military operation.

Synonyms

forsaken, isolated, stray

Examples of usage

  • The sergeant ordered the soldiers to regroup and ensure there were no stragglers left behind.
  • The stragglers were vulnerable to enemy attacks due to their isolated position.
Context #3 | Noun

nature

An animal or plant that is isolated or left behind from the rest of its group or species.

Synonyms

loner, outlier, singleton

Examples of usage

  • The straggler in the herd was easy prey for predators.
  • The lone straggler plant struggled to survive in the harsh environment.

Translations

Translations of the word "straggler" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retardatário

🇮🇳 अंतिम व्यक्ति

🇩🇪 Nachzügler

🇮🇩 tertinggal

🇺🇦 відсталий

🇵🇱 maruder

🇯🇵 遅れた人

🇫🇷 retardataire

🇪🇸 rezagado

🇹🇷 geride kalan

🇰🇷 뒤처진 사람

🇸🇦 متأخر

🇨🇿 opožděnec

🇸🇰 oneskorený

🇨🇳 落后者

🇸🇮 zaostajajoč

🇮🇸 eftirbátur

🇰🇿 артта қалған

🇬🇪 დამაგვიანებული

🇦🇿 geridə qalan

🇲🇽 rezagado

Etymology

The word 'straggler' originated from the Middle Low German word 'stragelen', which means to wander or stray. Over time, it evolved into the English term 'straggler' with similar meanings related to wandering or being separated from a group. The concept of straggling can be observed in various contexts, such as military operations, nature, and general human behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,358 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.