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.

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

A cheeky child or youth.
That little urchin just can't sit still.
An impudent or mischievous person.
Stop that, you little urchin!