hippie

American  

[hip-ee] / ˈhɪp i /

Or hippy

noun

1. a person, especially of the late 1960s, who rejected established institutions and values and sought spontaneity, direct personal relations expressing love, and expanded consciousness, often expressed externally in the wearing of casual, folksy clothing and of beads, headbands, used garments, etc.

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hippie British  

/ ˈhɪpɪ /

noun

1. a variant spelling of hippy 1

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Etymology

Origin of hippie

An Americanism dating back to 1950–55; hip ⁴ + -ie

Compare meaning

How does hippie compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• beatnik vs. hippie

Example Sentences

Rick Steves and Gene Openshaw consult their map of the Hippie Trail, 1978.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2025

Hippie Hill’s proximity to the famed Haight-Ashbury neighborhood transformed the site, which is in the Robin Williams Meadow section of Golden Gate Park.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2024

The headline on that article was simply “The Hippie Millionaire.”

From New York Times • Nov. 18, 2022

Thomas’ pontoon, the Drippy Hippie, wobbled as the vessel with Joel’s remains was brought onboard, followed by Laurel.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 15, 2021

She held out a large jar of Hippie Queen Honey.

From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby

Related Words

• bohemian
• flower child
• free spirit