sundowner

American  

[suhn-dou-ner] / ˈsʌnˌdaʊ nər /

noun

1. Chiefly British. an alcoholic drink taken after completing the day's work, usually at sundown.

2. Australian. a tramp or hobo, especially one who arrives at a homestead near sundown in order to avoid having to work in exchange for shelter.

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sundowner British  

/ ˈsʌnˌdaʊnə /

noun

1. obsolete a tramp, esp one who seeks food and lodging at sundown when it is too late to work

2. nautical a strict ship's officer

3. informal an alcoholic drink taken at sunset

4. slang a lazy sheepdog

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Etymology

Origin of sundowner

First recorded in 1870–75; sundown + -er ¹

Example Sentences

From the same breeding program emerged the Sundowner and more recently, in 1992, the Bravo.

From Salon • Jan. 24, 2023

Last October, another regional pattern known as Sundowner winds helped fuel the 17,000-acre Alisal fire in Santa Barbara County.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2022

The National Weather Service said there would be a new round of south Santa Barbara County’s notorious Sundowner winds Wednesday night, and other parts of California also were expected to experience increased fire danger.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 13, 2021

Sundowner Offshore Services that an individual can bring a claim for workplace harassment when the harasser and the harassed employee are the same sex.

From Newsweek • Jan. 14, 2010

To think that I am tramping this infernal country, like a dead beat Sundowner, without a cent in my pocket, while you are enjoying all the luxuries and happiness that life and wealth can give.

From The Childerbridge Mystery by Boothby, Guy Newell

Related Words

• enforcer