gypsy

gyp-sy · noun, adjective

imported

Definitions

noun, adjective

  1. 1.

    (noun) A member of a traditionally itinerant people who originated in South Asia and now live mainly in Europe and North America. Note: The preferred term is Roma or Romani.

  2. 2.

    (noun, informal) A person who travels frequently or leads an unconventional, nomadic lifestyle.

  3. 3.

    (adjective) Relating to the Roma people or their culture.

Forms

plural: gypsies

Related words

See also: nomad, traveler, wanderer
Synonyms: Roma, Romani, traveler

Etymology

From earlier Gypcian, short for Egyptian, because the Roma were originally thought to have come from Egypt. They actually originated in South Asia.