street people

American  

[street pee-puhl] / ˈstrit ˌpi pəl /

plural noun

1. people whose home is on the streets of a city; people who are unhoused or experiencing homelessness.

2. people who make their living on the streets, especially of large cities, as vendors or performers.

3. the people of a neighborhood, especially a poor and crowded big-city neighborhood, who frequent the streets of their area.

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Etymology

Origin of street people

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

“It can be used to point at people in the street, people in cars, and scan their facial prints without their consent,” said Kate Voigt, a senior policy counsel with the American Civil Liberties Union.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 5, 2026

In the street, people danced to the sound of reggae tunes and local funana music.

From Barron's • Oct. 13, 2025

On Holderness Road, the area's main shopping street, people were taking a walk around East Park in the autumn sunshine, despite freezing temperatures.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2024

Across the street people are singing “La Guadalupana” while fireworks are heard in the distance.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2023

Absorbed in his thoughts, he didn’t notice that one of the street people had detached himself from the others and was crossing the street, dodging cars deftly.

From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier