itinerant
What does "itinerant" mean?
The word "itinerant" describes someone who travels from place to place, typically for the purpose of working. Think of a traveling performer, a wandering artisan, or a seasonal laborer who follows the harvest; the core image is of a person whose life is defined by movement rather than a permanent home. It is a formal term often used to describe professional wanderers. While it can imply a sense of freedom, it is frequently used to describe people whose movement is necessitated by their employment. Common collocations include "itinerant worker," "itinerant preacher," or "itinerant musician."
"itinerant" in conversation
Discussing seasonal labor
How do we get enough hands for the harvest this year?
How do we get enough hands for the harvest this year?
We usually rely on a group of itinerant workers who travel up from the south.
We usually rely on a group of itinerant workers who travel up from the south.
Used here to describe laborers who move according to seasonal demand.
Describing a traveling artist
Did you see the violinist in the square?
Did you see the violinist in the square?
Yeah, he's an itinerant performer; he moves to a new city every weekend.
Yeah, he's an itinerant performer; he moves to a new city every weekend.
Highlights the nomadic nature of the professional.
"itinerant" in a sentence
The itinerant worker moved to the next town.
The itinerant worker moved to the next town.
Historically, itinerant preachers traveled across the country to deliver sermons.
Historically, itinerant preachers traveled across the country to deliver sermons.
She lived an itinerant existence, never staying in one apartment for more than a few months.
She lived an itinerant existence, never staying in one apartment for more than a few months.
