straggler

American  

[strag-ler] / ˈstræg lər /

noun

1. a person or thing that lags behind others.

   We’re waiting for a few stragglers, but all entries must be in by Wednesday, March 4th.

2. a person, animal, ship, etc., that wanders around or strays from a path or course.

   The French steamer Tourny, a straggler from its convoy, was sunk by a German U-boat.

   There was a wood quail just 5 yards away on the trail, presumably a straggler from the covey.

3. one of a number of persons or things scattered thinly or at irregular intervals in space or time.

   I didn’t see too many weeds in the garden—just two or three stragglers.

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Etymology

Origin of straggler

First recorded in 1525–35; straggle ( def. ) + -er ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

He instead described them as “little stragglers” of Season 3 that are not “thematically related,” but he hopes fans will enjoy them.

From Los Angeles Times

“On the hike, I’ll lead the way, and Gary will bring up the rear, to make sure there aren’t any stragglers,” Mr. Hodge said, grinning to make it seem like a joke.

From Literature

I pick at the cap to my gel pen as the last few stragglers make it to their desks before the final class bell rings.

From Literature

Molly and Anat crept into auditorium one after the credits finished and the last stragglers finally rose from their red-cushioned seats.

From Literature

Consumer spending data was OK, excluding cars, along with straggler earnings from the likes of FedEx and General Mills, which reported reasonable numbers.

From Barron's