nomadic

adjective

no·​mad·​ic nō-ˈma-dik 

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of nomads

a nomadic tribe

nomadic herders

2

: roaming about from place to place aimlessly, frequently, or without a fixed pattern of movement

a nomadic hobo

Synonyms

• ambulant
• ambulatory
• errant
• fugitive
• gallivanting
• galavanting
• itinerant
• nomad
• perambulatory
• peregrine
• peripatetic
• ranging
• roaming
• roving
• vagabond
• vagrant
• wandering
• wayfaring

Examples of nomadic in a Sentence

raised in a nomadic family, she attended half a dozen different high schools

Recent Examples on the Web

Once their daughter is old enough for school, the couple plans to register to homeschool her and connect with educational centers around the world that cater to nomadic families and their children. —Cheyenne Devon,zachary Green, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2024

Stone tools reveal epic trek of nomadic Neanderthals Jack Knudson is an assistant editor at Discover with a strong interest in environmental science and history. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 9 Dec. 2024

Related: The Best Fitness Gifts for Your Most Active Friends The Best Cycling Gifts, According to Bike Experts The Best Gifts for Everyone on Your List Lauren Mazzo is a nomadic writer and editor with nearly 10 years of experience creating health and wellness content. —Lauren Mazzo, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2024

And diners now come here for both our nomadic dinners and our private dinners. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek nomadikós "of a shepherd or herdsman, pastoral," from nomad-, nomás "wanderer, shepherd, nomad" + -ikos -ic entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1