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

“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

On Spring Gardens, Buxton's main shopping street, people hark back to a bygone age.

From BBC • Oct. 28, 2025

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

Absorbed in his thoughts, he didn’t notice that one of the street people had detached himself from the others and was crossing the street, dodging cars deftly.

From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier