pauper
Americannoun
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a person without any means of support, especially a destitute person who depends on aid from public welfare funds or charity.
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a very poor person.
noun
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a person who is extremely poor
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(formerly) a destitute person supported by public charity
Other Word Forms
- pauperage noun
- pauperdom noun
- pauperism noun
Etymology
Origin of pauper
1485–95; < Latin: poor
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.
A Nigerian mum might say: 'Do you want to live your life as a pauper forever?'
From BBC • Aug. 24, 2025
It also helped that Crawford was not exactly a pauper and got only marginally outspent in a race that saw over $107 million in expenditures.
From Slate • Apr. 3, 2025
He kept a stash of money sewed into his ragged coat and conveniently escaped for a hot bath and a good meal while pretending to pass as a pauper.
From Salon • Aug. 13, 2024
Many were buried in Portland cemeteries, some in unmarked pauper graves.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 29, 2024
“I don’t have money—that’s correct. I’m a pauper and I work my fingers to the bone. The baishakunin lied to you. I’m sorry for that, but—” “Don’t talk to me, please,” said Fujiko.
From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson
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.
