Search Dictionary
Definition of panhandler

panhandler

/ˈpænˌhænd.lɚ/
pan · hand · ler
Plural:panhandlers
JUMP TO:

panhandler Lexical Profile

panhandler Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American A person who begs for money, food, or other handouts in a public place, especially on the street.

Example

"The city council debated new ordinances regarding how a panhandler may approach pedestrians near busy transit stations."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for panhandler
Antonyms
View all antonyms for panhandler

• Nearby Words

pangasius
pangolin
panhandle
panhandler
panic
panicky
panini

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in late 19th-century American English from the noun 'panhandle', referring to the image of an outstretched arm resembling the long handle of a frying pan.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Panhandler. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/panhandler
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.