wayfarer

American  

[wey-fair-er] / ˈweɪˌfɛər ər /

noun

1. a traveler, especially on foot.

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wayfarer British  

/ ˈweɪˌfɛərə /

noun

1. a person who goes on a journey

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Other Word Forms

• wayfaring noun

Etymology

Origin of wayfarer

First recorded in 1400–50, wayfarer is from the late Middle English word weyfarere. See way ¹, fare, -er ¹

Explanation

A wayfarer is a traveler, especially one who travels on foot. You might run into a wayfarer on a hiking trail, midway on his journey from Georgia to Maine. Sometimes the word wayfarer is used to describe someone who doesn't simply go on a hike, but who always seems to be restless, especially a journeying literary character. One of the most well-known, classic brands of sunglasses is the Ray-Ban Wayfarer, in production since the early 1950s. Wayfarer combines way with farer, from an Old English root, fær, "journey, road, passage, or expedition."

Example Sentences

As far as we can tell, it’s the only vehicle on the road, a lonely wayfarer ripping through the darkness.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2025

For further down the line, Apple is developing a pair of AR eyeglasses that look like Ray-Ban wayfarer glasses, but The Information says those are “still many years away from release.”

From The Verge • May 20, 2022

With a day’s notice and $1,000, anyone can have the life of a whimsical wayfarer — if they are willing to rent.

From New York Times • Apr. 20, 2022

Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree represented something missing from American culture: authenticity and vulnerability, a lonely wayfarer in need of encouragement and support.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 15, 2017

“Ladies, the shades of night begin to fall, the wayfarer hurries home . . .” “Nice poetry.”

From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez