miser

[ mahy-zer ]

noun

1. a person who lives in wretched circumstances in order to save and hoard money.
2. a stingy, avaricious person.

   Synonyms: pinchpenny, tightwad, skinflint

3. Obsolete. a wretched or unhappy person.

miser

¹

/ ˈmaɪzə /

noun

1. a person who hoards money or possessions, often living miserably
2. selfish person

miser

²

/ ˈmaɪzə /

noun

1. civil engineering a large hand-operated auger used for loose soils

Word History and Origins

Origin of miser¹

1535–45; < Latin: wretched

Word History and Origins

Origin of miser¹

C16: from Latin: wretched

Origin of miser²

C19: origin unknown

Example Sentences

M was a Miser, and hoarded up gold; N was a Nobleman, gallant and bold.

From Project Gutenberg

A noted miser boasted that he had lost five shillings without uttering a single complaint.

From Project Gutenberg

A spendthrift rallying a miser, among other things, said, "I'll warrant these buttons on your coat were your great-grandfather's."

From Project Gutenberg

A miser having heard of another still more parsimonious than himself, waited on him to gain instruction.

From Project Gutenberg

She shall see what it will cost her, the old miser; and you know I have always been most amiable with her.

From Project Gutenberg