pauper

1 of 2

noun (1)

pau·​per ˈpȯ-pər How to pronounce pauper (audio)
Synonyms of pauper
1
old-fashioned : a person destitute of means except such as are derived from charity
specifically : one who receives aid from funds designated for the poor
2
old-fashioned : a very poor person
… you'll wind up a pauper on skid row …—Robert Bixby
pauperism
ˈpȯ-pə-ˌri-zəm How to pronounce pauper (audio)
noun

pauperism

2 of 2

noun (2)

pau·​per·​ism -pəˌrizəm How to pronounce pauperism (audio)
plural -s
: the quality or state of being a pauper

Examples of pauper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Bournemouth are not a pauper club any more, but the performance this season has still be remarkable. — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 25 May 2026 When the new sections were added, the old burying ground became a pauper's cemetery for poor White and and Black residents. — Alexandria Burris, IndyStar, 14 Nov. 2025 This sudden outburst earns her a pauper’s grave, after she’s hauled out of the restaurant and shoved, accidentally or intentionally, down the stairs. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 5 Mar. 2026 The Titanic is still a subject of worldwide fascination, in part because of the range of passengers aboard the ship, from paupers to plutocrats. — Jill Lawless, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pauper

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Latin, poor — more at poor

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1516, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pauper was in 1516

Rhymes for pauper

See All Rhymes for pauper

Browse Nearby Words

paup
pauper
pauperage
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pauper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pauper. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pauper

noun
pau·​per ˈpȯ-pər How to pronounce pauper (audio)
: a very poor person
especially : one supported by charity
pauperism
-pə-ˌriz-əm How to pronounce pauper (audio)
noun
pauperize
-ˌrīz
verb

Legal Definition

pauper

noun
pau·​per ˈpȯ-pər How to pronounce pauper (audio)
: a person who is destitute and relying on charity
specifically : a person who is relieved of the costs and expenses of a court proceeding because of poverty

More from Merriam-Webster on pauper

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pauper

Nglish: Translation of pauper for Spanish Speakers

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