Meanings
-
1
noun
a person or animal that falls behind or becomes separated from a group
The guide waited at the gate for the last straggler.
-
2
noun
a soldier who has become separated from a marching unit or formation
A lone straggler rejoined the regiment before nightfall.
-
3
noun
one of a few scattered or late remaining people or things
A few stragglers stayed after the conference to ask questions.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Formed from straggle + the agent suffix -er, literally 'one that straggles.' Straggle appeared in early modern English for wandering away from a line or group; its deeper origin is uncertain and may be connected with stray.