Meaning & Definition of word "Miser"

Miser

/ˈmaɪ.zər/

noun:

  • 1. A person who hoards wealth and spends as little money as possible; a stingy person.
    • Example: Despite having a comfortable income, he was a miser who refused to spend money on anything unnecessary.
  • 2. Someone who is excessively frugal or tightfisted.
    • Example: The miser lived in a small, bare apartment, choosing to save every penny rather than enjoy life.
  • 3. A person who is unwilling to share their wealth with others.
    • Example: Everyone knew her to be a miser, as she never contributed to charity despite her substantial fortune.
  • 4. A person who is excessively concerned with saving money to the detriment of their well-being.
    • Example: The miser would often skip meals to avoid spending money at restaurants.

Etymology

Latin miser, meaning 'wretched' or 'unfortunate'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

penny-pinching:

the act of being frugal or miserly.

money hoarder:

someone who accumulates money and is reluctant to spend it.

tight with a buck:

being careful to avoid spending money.

Related Words

avarice:

extreme greed for wealth or material gain.

stingy:

unwilling to give or spend; miserly.

frugal:

sparing or economical as regards money or food.

Slang Meanings of miser

Meaning: cheapskate

Example Sentence: Don't be such a cheapskate; treat yourself once in a while.

Meaning: skinflint

Example Sentence: He's such a skinflint that he won't even buy a round of drinks.