interloper
noun
in·ter·lop·er
ˌin-tər-ˈlō-pər 
ˈin-tər-ˌlō-
: one that interlopes: such as
a
: one that intrudes in a place or sphere of activity
b
: an illegal or unlicensed trader
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The History of Interloper
The -loper part of interloper is believed to be either from an English dialectal word meaning "leap" or from a Dutch word meaning "to run." (The prefix inter- means "between" or "among.") An interloper is essentially one that jumps into the midst of things without an invitation to do so.
Examples of interloper in a Sentence
I had hoped to help my neighbors, but they regarded me as an interloper.
summer residents were regarded as interlopers who had no deep commitment to the town's welfare
Recent Examples on the Web
Fire is the native, natural presence, and human development is the invasive interloper.
—
Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2025
Sheridan has an affinity for writing characters who have lots of big things to say about the world around them and their place in it; Yellowstone features hours of John Dutton solemnly orating on the subject of Montana, the ranching way of life, and the threat posed by outside interlopers.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024
There were interlopers in the ensuing years, but none had more than supporting roles, until Chrysler announced a radical concept in 1989 at the North American International Auto Show.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2025
Candidate debates and convention speeches were the primary interlopers.
—Alex Sherman, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interloper
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Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2025
Sheridan has an affinity for writing characters who have lots of big things to say about the world around them and their place in it; Yellowstone features hours of John Dutton solemnly orating on the subject of Montana, the ranching way of life, and the threat posed by outside interlopers.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024
There were interlopers in the ensuing years, but none had more than supporting roles, until Chrysler announced a radical concept in 1989 at the North American International Auto Show.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2025
Candidate debates and convention speeches were the primary interlopers.
—Alex Sherman, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interloper
Cite this Entry
“Interloper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interloper. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
interloper
noun
in·ter·lop·er
ˌint-ər-ˈlō-pər
ˈint-ər-ˌlō-pər
: a person who intrudes or interferes wrongly or meddlesomely
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