Urchin

/ˈərchən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A mischievous or playful child, often clearly of a lower economic status.

The street urchin begged for food as he wandered the busy marketplace.

A marine animal, typically with spines, belonging to the class Echinoidea; commonly known as a sea urchin.

The dive instructor pointed out the colorful sea urchin nestled among the coral.

Middle English 'urchin', from Old French 'ourson', meaning 'bear cub'; later applied to a ragged child.

street urchin

A child who is homeless or lives on the streets.

little urchin

An endearing term for a mischievous child.

waif

A homeless child or an abandoned animal.

scamp

A mischievous person, especially a child.

A cheeky child or youth.

That little urchin just can't sit still.

An impudent or mischievous person.

Stop that, you little urchin!