# Gypsies

/ˈdʒɪpsiz/ (US) · /dʒˈɪpsɪz/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gypsies
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a group of people who traditionally travel from place to place instead of living in one house. Many people now consider this word offensive and prefer to use specific names like Roma or Travelers.

For teachers: members of a traditionally nomadic ethnic group, specifically the Roma or Sinti people. While historically used as a neutral descriptor, it is increasingly regarded as a pejorative or an exonym; more precise ethnic identifiers are generally preferred in formal and academic contexts.

## Examples

- The gypsies traveled across the country in colorful wagons.
- Historically, many gypsies moved between towns to find seasonal work or trade handmade goods.
- The exhibition explores the cultural heritage of European gypsies while acknowledging the systemic discrimination and forced settlement policies they have faced over several centuries.

## Usage notes

- Often capitalized. While used historically as a collective noun, modern usage favors specific ethnic terms like 'Roma' to avoid negative stereotypes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.