homeless

adjective

home·​less ˈhōm-ləs How to pronounce homeless (audio)
: having no home or permanent place of residence : unhoused
homelessness noun

Examples of homeless in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The case has elicited strong emotions across the community, with many rallying around the dog's owner, who is homeless. — Naveen Dhaliwal, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 In Hayward, the city’s homeless population fell from 512 residents in January 2024 to 404 residents in January 2026. — Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 Deep in the data sheets published last month with the 2026 homeless count was a surprising statistic about change in Skid Row. — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026 Brian’s Angels, a nonprofit homeless outreach in Bristol, announced that its community center will be closing at the end of August after 11 years. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for homeless

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of homeless was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing homeless

Browse Nearby Words

homeland
homeless
homelessness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Homeless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homeless. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

homeless

adjective
home·​less -ləs How to pronounce homeless (audio)
: having no home or permanent residence
homelessness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on homeless

Nglish: Translation of homeless for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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