Hobo — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈhō-(ˌ)bō/ ho·bo

Meaning & Definition of Hobo

Hobo (noun)

  1. a usually very poor person who has no permanent residence and travels from place to place especially by furtively hopping trains; also, a migrant worker
  2. a large shoulder bag shaped like a pouch

Hobo (verb)

  1. to live or travel in the manner of a hobo

Hobo (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a homeless wanderer who may beg or steal for a living

    "kind folks who always gave hoboes who came to the farm a meal and then sent them on their way"

    similar: bindle stiff, bum, bummer, sundowner (Australian), swaggie (chiefly Australian), swagman (chiefly Australian), tramp, vagabond, vagrant
    related: drifter, roamer, transient, beggar, derelict, mendicant, panhandler, stiff, dodger, malingerer, shirker, slacker, gamine, ragamuffin, urchin, waif

Hobo (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in tramp, vagabond

    similar: tramp, vagabond, dawdle, mope, mill (about or around), amble, saunter, stroll, straggle, stray, bat, cruise, drift, float, gad (about), gallivant, kick around, knock (about), maunder, meander, mooch, ramble, range, roam, rove, traipse, wander

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Hobo

The most common words with a similar meaning to Hobo:

Chiefly Australian: swaggie, swagman
Australian: sundowner
bindle stiff, bum, bummer, tramp, vagabond, vagrant, dawdle, mope, mill (about or around), amble, saunter, stroll, straggle, stray, bat, cruise, drift, float, gad (about), gallivant, kick around, knock (about), maunder, meander, mooch, ramble, range, roam, rove, traipse, wander

Related Words for Hobo

drifter, roamer, transient, beggar, derelict, mendicant, panhandler, stiff, dodger, malingerer, shirker, slacker, gamine, ragamuffin, urchin, waif

Word Forms of Hobo

Inflections: hoboes, hobos, hoboed, hoboing

Origin & Etymology of Hobo

origin unknown

First known use: 1885

Frequently Asked Questions about Hobo

What does "Hobo" mean?

"Hobo" means a usually very poor person who has no permanent residence and travels from place to place especially by furtively hopping trains; also, a migrant worker. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a usually very poor person who has no permanent residence and travels from place to place especially by furtively hopping trains; also, a migrant worker. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Hobo"?

Other words for "Hobo" include bindle stiff, bum, bummer, sundowner, swaggie, swagman, tramp and vagabond. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Hobo" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Hobo"?

There are 50 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Hobo". Common alternatives include bindle stiff, bum, bummer, sundowner, swaggie, swagman, tramp, vagabond, vagrant and dawdle.

How do you use "Hobo" in a sentence?

Examples of "Hobo" in a sentence: "kind folks who always gave hoboes who came to the farm a meal and then sent them on their way".

Is "Hobo" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Hobo" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Hobo"?

"Hobo" is pronounced /ˈhō-(ˌ)bō/ and divided into syllables as ho·bo.

What is the origin of the word "Hobo"?

"Hobo" comes from origin unknown. First known use: 1885.

What is another word for "Hobo" meaning "a homeless wanderer who may beg or steal for a living"?

When "Hobo" (noun) means a homeless wanderer who may beg or steal for a living, synonyms include bindle stiff, bum, bummer, sundowner, swaggie and swagman.