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.
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!