Definition of Hobo
Quick Meaning of Hobo
A homeless person who travels around looking for work and temporary shelter.
Detailed Definition of Hobo
A person without a permanent home who travels from place to place, often seeking work
How to Pronounce Hobo
Stress pattern: Oo (2-syllable word).
Tip: Pronounced HO-bo with stress on first syllable. Both syllables sound like 'oh'.
Watch out: huh-BO with stress on second syllable
Origin and Etymology of Hobo
American slang origin, possibly from 'homeward bound' or a greeting 'ho, beau'
How to Use Hobo in a Sentence
Each example shows “hobo” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“He was a hobo looking for work.”
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“In the 1930s, many hobos traveled across America during the Great Depression.”
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“The old stories describe hobos as wandering workers seeking jobs.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Hobo
Common Synonyms for Hobo
Smart Synonyms for Hobo — When to Use Each
- vagrant
- legal term; person without fixed address
- tramp
- British English; similar meaning
Antonyms of Hobo
Common Collocations with Hobo
These phrases pair with “hobo” in everyday English:
- hobo camp
- hobo lifestyle
- ride the rails
Common Mistakes When Using Hobo
Even fluent speakers slip up with “hobo”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong:
- ✓ Correct: Use 'homeless person' in contemporary contexts; 'hobo' is outdated
- ✗ Wrong:
- ✓ Correct: Vagrant is legal terminology; hobo is informal colloquial term
Words Confused With Hobo
- Hobo vs Vagrant: vagrant = legal term for person without fixed residence
- Hobo vs Homeless person: preferred modern neutral term instead of outdated 'hobo'
Other Forms of Hobo
- Noun: hobo
Frequently Asked Questions About Hobo
What is the meaning of "Hobo"?
A homeless person who travels around looking for work and temporary shelter.
How do you pronounce "Hobo"?
The IPA is /ˈhoʊboʊ/. Pronounced HO-bo with stress on first syllable. Both syllables sound like 'oh'.
What part of speech is "Hobo"?
"Hobo" is a noun at B2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Hobo"?
Common synonyms include vagrant, tramp, wanderer.
How do you use "Hobo" in a sentence?
For example: "He was a hobo looking for work."