hobo

n. a person who travels from place to place, often by hiding on trains, usually looking for work or living without a home.

n. a migratory worker or homeless individual, specifically one who travels by rail; the term carries historical weight from the Great Depression era.

“In the old movies, the hobo would jump onto a moving train to travel across the country.”

“The documentary explored the subculture of the American hobo, focusing on the secret symbols they left for one another near railroad tracks.”

American English · Informal

n. a large, soft handbag with a curved shape that hangs from the shoulder.

n. a style of large, crescent-shaped handbag characterized by a slouchy posture and a long strap designed to be worn over the shoulder.

“She bought a brown leather hobo bag that was big enough to hold all her books.”

“The designer's spring collection featured an oversized hobo crafted from suede, emphasizing a relaxed, bohemian aesthetic.”

Technical

v. to live or travel like a hobo, moving from place to place without a permanent home.

v. to lead the life of a migratory worker or vagrant; to travel without a fixed destination or means of support.

“He spent his youth hoboing across the western states, taking odd jobs whenever he ran out of money.”

“After losing his factory job, he spent several months hoboing through the Midwest before eventually finding steady work in Chicago.”

Informal · American English