Waif

Meaning

a homeless or abandoned child; a stray person or animal

a homeless, neglected, or abandoned person, often a child

Example Sentences

The charity helps waifs and strays find homes and families.

The young waif wandered the streets in search of food.

Synonyms

orphan, stray, abandoned child, foundling, outcast, castaway

Entry 1

orphan, stray, abandoned child, foundling

Entry 2

orphan, stray, outcast, castaway

Antonyms

cared child, protected person, guardian, protector, caretaker

Entry 1

cared child, protected person

Entry 2

guardian, protector, caretaker

Collocations

waifs and strays, homeless waif, abandoned waif, poor waif, helpless waif, waif-like child

Entry 1

waifs and strays, homeless waif, abandoned waif

Entry 2

poor waif, helpless waif, waif-like child