drifter

[drif-ter] /ˈdrɪf tər/
noun
1.
a person or thing that drifts.
2.
a person who goes from place to place, job to job, etc., remaining in each for a short period, especially a hobo.
3.
Also called drift boat. a boat used in fishing with a drift net.
Origin
1860-65; drift + -er1
Examples from the web for drifter
  • With everyone away, it would appear to the police to be the work of a drifter.
  • drifter data can be compared to the calculated currents to determine how accurate the estimates of speed and direction are.
  • The drifter occasionally rises to the surface to send a signal that relays its position.
  • Students will calculate the magnitude of ocean currents, given data from drifter studies.
  • One satellite-tracked drifter was dropped at the start of trawling on the first day of the cruise.
  • drifter tracks indicated both long-distance transport and local retention.
British Dictionary definitions for drifter

drifter

/ˈdrɪftə/
noun
1.
a person or thing that drifts
2.
a person who moves aimlessly from place to place, usually without a regular job
3.
a boat used for drift-net fishing
4.
(nautical) a large jib of thin material used in light breezes
Word Origin and History for drifter
n.

1864, as a mining term; 1883, "boat fishing with drift-nets;" agent noun from drift (v.). Meaning "vagrant" is from 1908.

Slang definitions & phrases for drifter

drifter

noun

A derelict; BUM (1908+) drift off track

verb phrase

To deviate from proper conduct: I sometimes drift off track a bit, but I really try to do what is right (1970s+)