wayfarer

noun

way·​far·​er ˈwā-ˌfer-ər 

: a traveler especially on foot

wayfaring

ˈwā-ˌfer-iŋ 

adjective

Synonyms

• drifter
• gadabout
• gypsy
• knockabout
• maunderer
• nomad
• rambler
• roamer
• rover
• stroller
• vagabond
• wanderer

Examples of wayfarer in a Sentence

one of the great wayfarers of American folklore, Johnny Appleseed wandered across the country, always planting apple seeds

Recent Examples on the Web

My personal nightmare manifested around 2018 in the form of ’90s-style tiny sunglasses (and later, eyeglasses), after what felt like a solid two decades of the wayfarers and oversized frames that suited my very round face. —Rebecca Jennings, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018

Knee-high, eroded Jizo statues that resembled children — often cloaked in red bibs — peppered the trail to ward off evil and safeguard wayfarers like me. —Norma Meyer, Orange County Register, 15 May 2024

And, of course, indigenous Polynesian wayfarers used star compasses to navigate the seas, reading the night sky to set their course. —Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 19 Mar. 2024

But the magic of the Disney musical adventure is in the friendship between Maui and teenage wayfarer Moana (Cravalho), which brings out the big guy's sizable heart on a fantastic voyage that involves cannibal coconuts and a glam crab as well as self-discovery and redemption. —Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 13 Nov. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Middle English weyfarere, from wey, way way + -farere traveler, from faren to go — more at fare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

wayfarer

noun

way·​far·​er ˈwā-ˌfar-ər 

-ˌfer-

: a traveler especially on foot

wayfaring

-ˌfar-iŋ 

-ˌfer-

adjective