noun
hobo
HOH-boh/ˈhəʊbəʊ/
A homeless person who travels from place to place, especially seeking work.
The hobo accepts a hoe from the farmer while carrying his bedding.
Etymology
The word is first recorded in the western United States meaning “a tramp,” but its origin is unknown. A dialect word for a country bumpkin and a railroad workers’ call are suggested possibilities.
In context
guy standing I will work for food sign and I went that guy and she goes the ho I remember she said hobo I know who says hobo she's the hobo
More examples
- The memoir follows a hobo seeking work.
- Several hobos traveled together.
- She studied accounts of hobo life.
Forms
hobo · hobos · hoboes
Similar words
- wanderer
- Anyone traveling without a settled route, not necessarily homeless or seeking work.
- migrant worker
- Moves for employment without necessarily the historical hobo lifestyle.