straggler

[strag-ler]

noun

1. a person or thing that lags behind others.

   We’re waiting for a few stragglers, but all entries must be in by Wednesday, March 4th.

2. a person, animal, ship, etc., that wanders around or strays from a path or course.

   The French steamer Tourny, a straggler from its convoy, was sunk by a German U-boat.

   There was a wood quail just 5 yards away on the trail, presumably a straggler from the covey.

3. one of a number of persons or things scattered thinly or at irregular intervals in space or time.

   I didn’t see too many weeds in the garden—just two or three stragglers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of straggler¹

First recorded in 1525–35; straggle ( def. ) + -er ¹ ( def. )