noun
urchin
URT-shihn
Urchin (noun) means a young child, especially a poor or mischievous one often seen roaming the streets. Example: “A gang of street urchins darted through the market stalls.”
noun
1
A young child, especially a poor or mischievous one often seen roaming the streets.
"A gang of street urchins darted through the market stalls."
2
A spiny, round sea creature that lives on the ocean floor.
"She stepped on a sea urchin while wading near the rocks."
How to use urchin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a raggedy, mischievous child or a spiky sea animal, depending on context.
Common pairings
street urchin
sea urchin
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Word forms
- Plural
- urchins
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A gang of street _____ darted through the market stalls.
Etymology
From Middle English yrchoun, "hedgehog," ultimately from Latin ēricius — the sea creature and the scruffy child were both named for their resemblance to a hedgehog's spines.
Frequently asked questions
What does “urchin” mean?
The word “urchin” means a young child, especially a poor or mischievous one often seen roaming the streets. In plain terms, either a raggedy, mischievous child or a spiky sea animal, depending on context.
How do you pronounce “urchin”?
“Urchin” is pronounced URT-shihn (/ˈɝt͡ʃɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “urchin” in a sentence?
Here is “urchin” used in a sentence: “A gang of street urchins darted through the market stalls.”
What part of speech is “urchin”?
“Urchin” is a noun.
Where does the word “urchin” come from?
The word “urchin” comes from Latin. From Middle English yrchoun, "hedgehog," ultimately from Latin ēricius — the sea creature and the scruffy child were both named for their resemblance to a hedgehog's spines.
How many meanings does “urchin” have?
“Urchin” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a young child, especially a poor or mischievous one often seen roaming the streets.
