Waif: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used to describe a thin, neglected child, especially one without a home or friends. It carries a sense of abandonment or vulnerability.

• The little waif wandered the streets, hoping for a kind soul to offer help.
• She found a waif-like girl hiding under the bridge.

Used to describe a child whose parents are deceased. It is a more general term and can be used in various contexts from casual to formal.

• After the accident, he became an orphan and was taken to a foster home.
• The story is about an orphan who overcomes great odds.

Typically used for animals, especially pets, that have no home. It can also be applied to people in a metaphorical sense, though it can have a slightly negative connotation.

• They found a stray cat and decided to adopt it.
• He felt like a stray in the crowded city, with no place to call home.

Refers to an abandoned child who has been found and cared for by others. It often has historical connotations or is used in formal contexts.

• The orphanage took in a foundling they discovered at their doorstep.
• In history, many foundlings were left at church doors.

This term usually refers to a person, often a child, who is thin and appears neglected or homeless. It can evoke a sense of pity or concern.

• The waif stood alone on the street corner, shivering in the cold.
• She took in the waif, offering him food and shelter.

Choose this word to describe someone or something that is easily broken or damaged. It often carries a connotation of physical weakness or vulnerability.

• The fragile vase shattered into pieces when it fell.
• Her fragile health required constant care.

This term is best used to describe someone who is thin in a graceful and attractive way. It often has a positive connotation.

• She has a slender figure that many admire.
• The slender branches of the tree swayed gently in the breeze.

Use this word to describe someone or something that is very fine, elegant, or sensitive. This can apply to physical appearance or emotional sensitivity.

• The delicate flowers were easily damaged by the storm.
• His delicate response to the criticism showed his emotional sensitivity.