wayfarer

noun

way·​far·​er ˈwā-ˌfer-ər How to pronounce wayfarer (audio)
Synonyms of wayfarer
: a traveler especially on foot
wayfaring
ˈwā-ˌfer-iŋ How to pronounce wayfarer (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of wayfarer

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Examples of wayfarer in a Sentence

one of the great wayfarers of American folklore, Johnny Appleseed wandered across the country, always planting apple seeds
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.
In high school, my friends and I became subway wayfarers, traveling in search of great high-school games. — Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026 These medium-sized glasses feature a chunky wayfarer-oval shape crafted from durable acetate. — Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Add in accessories like a matching leather clutch, boots, and wayfarer sunglasses to be styled to perfection. — Ariel Bielsky, InStyle, 1 Jan. 2026 Our favorite budget sunnies for all outdoor activities, the Goodr OG is a wayfarer-style frame with lenses that cannot be beat for the price. — Will Porter, Outside, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wayfarer

Word History

Etymology

Middle English weyfarere, from wey, way way + -farere traveler, from faren to go — more at fare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wayfarer was in the 15th century

Rhymes for wayfarer

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Browse Nearby Words

wayfare
wayfarer
wayfaring
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

wayfarer

noun
way·​far·​er ˈwā-ˌfar-ər How to pronounce wayfarer (audio)
-ˌfer-
: a traveler especially on foot
wayfaring
-ˌfar-iŋ How to pronounce wayfarer (audio)
-ˌfer-
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on wayfarer

Nglish: Translation of wayfarer for Spanish Speakers

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