lonesome
Americanadjective
-
depressed or sad because of the lack of friends, companionship, etc.; lonely.
to feel lonesome.
-
attended with or causing such a state or feeling.
a lonesome evening at home.
-
lonely or deserted in situation; remote, desolate, or isolated.
a lonesome road.
idioms
adjective
noun
Related Words
See alone.
Other Word Forms
- lonesomely adverb
- lonesomeness noun
Etymology
Origin of lonesome
Explanation
When you're lonesome, you feel sad about being by yourself, and you miss the company of other people. It's entirely possible to feel lonesome even when you're in a crowd. Living alone on an island might sound appealing sometimes, but it would probably be pretty lonesome in reality. Good elementary school teachers pay attention to which kids look a little lonesome during recess, especially at the beginning of the school year, and match them up with a pal. Lonesome means "lonely," although it's uncommon outside of the US.
Vocabulary lists containing lonesome
Tony Bennett (1926–2023) Tribute List
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Black Star, Bright Dawn
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Each Little Bird That Sings
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
One such scene in the premiere smash cuts between a lonesome Chris sulking by himself at home.
From Salon • Aug. 21, 2025
Skinny is lonesome and confused until six Junior Club cartoonists — including Hardie Gramatky, who went on to become a watercolorist admired by Andrew Wyeth — walk into the frame and heartily welcome the boy.
From New York Times • Jun. 4, 2024
Being a professional tennis player and being lonesome often are inextricably interwoven.
From BBC • May 28, 2024
Michele Castañeda-Martinez’s job as a division administrator for the county’s Department of Public Health includes ensuring a proper cremation and interment of the ashes of people who die such lonesome deaths.
From Seattle Times • May 27, 2024
I was getting mighty lonesome to see Papa.
From "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
