street people

American  

[street pee-puhl] / ˈstrit ˌpi pəl /

plural noun

1. people whose home is on the streets of a city; people who are unhoused or experiencing homelessness.

2. people who make their living on the streets, especially of large cities, as vendors or performers.

3. the people of a neighborhood, especially a poor and crowded big-city neighborhood, who frequent the streets of their area.

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Etymology

Origin of street people

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

street people

“It can be used to point at people in the street, people in cars, and scan their facial prints without their consent,” said Kate Voigt, a senior policy counsel with the American Civil Liberties Union.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 5, 2026

In the street, people danced to the sound of reggae tunes and local funana music.

From Barron's ● Oct. 13, 2025

“It’s the reason why when I walk down the street, people talk to me in English. People don’t believe I live in the Caribbean.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 16, 2024

Often in the street, people ask me questions about Ellie and don't address her.

From BBC ● Dec. 30, 2023

If a block’s been roped off because there’s an unexploded bomb buried in the street, people just go round another way.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin