Meaning & Definition of word "Urchin"
to
Urchin
/ˈərchən/
noun:
- 1. A mischievous or playful child, often clearly of a lower economic status.
- Example: The street urchin begged for food as he wandered the busy marketplace.
- 2. A marine animal, typically with spines, belonging to the class Echinoidea; commonly known as a sea urchin.
- Example: The dive instructor pointed out the colorful sea urchin nestled among the coral.
Etymology
Middle English 'urchin', from Old French 'ourson', meaning 'bear cub'; later applied to a ragged child.
Common Phrases and Expressions
street urchin:
A child who is homeless or lives on the streets.
little urchin:
An endearing term for a mischievous child.
Related Words
waif:
A homeless child or an abandoned animal.
scamp:
A mischievous person, especially a child.
Slang Meanings of urchin
Meaning: A cheeky child or youth.
Example Sentence: That little urchin just can't sit still.
Meaning: An impudent or mischievous person.
Example Sentence: Stop that, you little urchin!