forty-niner

[ fawr-tee-nahy-ner ]

noun

1. a person, especially a prospector, who went to California in 1849 during the gold rush.

forty-niner

noun

1. sometimes capital history a prospector who took part in the California gold rush of 1849
2. 49er a type of dinghy, designed to be crewed by two people

Word History and Origins

Origin of forty-niner¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

It had been the home of a "Forty-niner," and he was dead and forgotten, his dust as easily accounted for as his winged gold.

From Project Gutenberg

I well remember,” writes a Forty-Niner, “the loneliness and dreariness amid all the excitement of the time.

From Project Gutenberg

A 'forty-niner' ain't apt to be lazy on the shoot, an' Father's gun spit first.

From Project Gutenberg

His rest was the Forty-niner's arm, as mine is the sportsman's hand.

From Project Gutenberg

The old "forty-niner" approached the waggon with a withering glance at the repacked cargo.

From Project Gutenberg