What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
drifter
Example
He was a drifter, moving from town to town with no clear direction. [drifter: noun]
Example
She spent her youth as a drifter, never staying in one place for too long. [drifter: adjective]
nomad
Example
The nomads traveled across the desert in search of water and food. [nomads: noun]
Example
He lived as a nomad for years, traveling across the country in his van. [nomad: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nomad is less common than drifter in everyday language, but it has a more specific meaning and is often used in academic or historical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between drifter and nomad?
Nomad is more formal than drifter, which is a more casual and colloquial term.
