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Definition of straggler

straggler

/ˈstræɡ.lɚ/
strag · gler
Plural:stragglers
•
Adjective:straggly
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straggler Lexical Profile

straggler Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person or animal that lags behind, wanders away from, or arrives later than the rest of a group.

Example

"The tour guide waited by the museum entrance for a few minutes to make sure no stragglers were left behind."

2

An isolated thing or plant shoot that grows or appears irregularly apart from the main cluster or group.

Example

"After harvesting the main crop of tomatoes, we still found a few ripe stragglers on the vines in late autumn."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for straggler

• Nearby Words

straddle
strafe
straggle
straggler
straggly
straight
straightaway

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the early 16th century, derived as an agent noun from the Middle English verb 'straglen' (to wander from a course or scatter), which is likely a frequentative form related to 'strake' (to roam).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Straggler. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/straggler
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