Waif — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈwāf/

Meaning & Definition of Waif

Waif (noun)

  1. a stray person or animal; especially, a homeless child
  2. something found without an owner and especially by chance
  3. an extremely thin and usually young woman
  4. waft

Waif (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a young person who is thin and appears homeless or impoverished

    "the sad sight of waifs on the street"

    similar: gamine, guttersnipe, ragamuffin, urchin, beggar, down-and-out, have-not, indigent, bohemian, bum, clochard, drifter, hobo, tramp, vagabond, vagrant, miserable, pauper, bludger (chiefly Australian & New Zealand), cadger, hanger-on, leech, moocher, parasite, schnorrer, sponge, sponger, dependent, deadbeat, derelict, mendicant, panhandler

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Waif

The most common words with a similar meaning to Waif:

Chiefly Australian & New Zealand: bludger
gamine, guttersnipe, ragamuffin, urchin, beggar, down-and-out, have-not, indigent, bohemian, bum, clochard, drifter, hobo, tramp, vagabond, vagrant, miserable, pauper, cadger, hanger-on, leech, moocher, parasite, schnorrer, sponge, sponger, dependent, deadbeat, derelict, mendicant, panhandler

Word Forms of Waif

Derived words: waifish (adjective), waiflike (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Waif

Middle English weif, waif, from Anglo-French, from waif, adjective, stray, unclaimed, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse veif something flapping, veifa to be in movement wipe

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Waif

What does "Waif" mean?

"Waif" means a stray person or animal; especially, a homeless child. As a noun, it is defined as: a stray person or animal; especially, a homeless child.

What is another word for "Waif"?

Other words for "Waif" include gamine, guttersnipe, ragamuffin, urchin, beggar, down-and-out, have-not and indigent. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Waif" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Waif"?

There are 32 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Waif". Common alternatives include gamine, guttersnipe, ragamuffin, urchin, beggar, down-and-out, have-not, indigent, bohemian and bum.

How do you use "Waif" in a sentence?

Examples of "Waif" in a sentence: "the sad sight of waifs on the street".

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

"Waif" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Waif"?

"Waif" is pronounced /ˈwāf/.

What is the origin of the word "Waif"?

"Waif" comes from Middle English weif, waif, from Anglo-French, from waif, adjective, stray, unclaimed, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse veif something flapping, veifa to be in movement wipe. First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Waif" meaning "a young person who is thin and appears homeless or impoverished"?

When "Waif" (noun) means a young person who is thin and appears homeless or impoverished, synonyms include gamine, guttersnipe, ragamuffin, urchin, beggar and down-and-out.