Meaning & Definition of word "Stranger"

Stranger

/ˈstreɪn.dʒər/

noun:

  • 1. A person whom one does not know.
    • Example: She felt uneasy walking home alone at night with a stranger nearby.
  • 2. A person who is new to or unfamiliar with a place or situation.
    • Example: As a stranger in the city, he relied on his map to navigate his way.
  • 3. A person who is not a member of a particular group or community.
    • Example: The meeting felt exclusive, as everyone there seemed to know each other, and I was just a stranger.

Etymology

Middle English: from Old French 'estrangier', from Latin 'extraneus' meaning 'external, foreign.'

Common Phrases and Expressions

A stranger in a strange land:

Someone who feels out of place or unfamiliar in their surroundings.

Stranger danger:

A warning to children about the potential dangers of unknown individuals.

No stranger to:

Experienced with or familiar with something.

Stranger than fiction:

Referring to something that is so unusual that it seems unbelievable.

Related Words

familiar:

Known, recognized, or well-acquainted with someone or something.

acquaintance:

A person one knows slightly, but who is not a close friend.

Slang Meanings of stranger

Meaning: A newbie or someone unfamiliar with the local area.

Example Sentence: He's a total stranger around here; he just moved to the city.

Meaning: Someone who is not part of a group or clique.

Example Sentence: She felt like a stranger at the party, not knowing anyone.