VocabDictionary

miser

/ˈmaɪ.zər/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A person who hoards wealth and spends as little money as possible, often living in wretched conditions to save.

Example Sentences:
  • The old miser kept all his gold coins locked away in a heavy chest under his floorboards.
  • Despite his immense wealth, he lived like a miser, refusing to turn on the heating in winter.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “miser”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'miser', meaning 'wretched' or 'miserable'. In the 16th century, the English meaning shifted from a general state of unhappiness to specifically describe a person who is wretchedly poor in spirit because of their obsessive hoarding of money.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

A miser is *miser*able because they never spend any money on themselves or others.

Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “miser

1. What is the meaning of “miser” in English?

In English, miser (noun) is defined as: “A person who hoards wealth and spends as little money as possible, often living in wretched conditions to save.”.

2. How do you use “miser” in a sentence?

The old miser kept all his gold coins locked away in a heavy chest under his floorboards.

3. What are English synonyms of “miser”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “miser”?

Derived from the Latin word 'miser', meaning 'wretched' or 'miserable'. In the 16th century, the English meaning shifted from a general state of unhappiness to specifically describe a person who is wretchedly poor in spirit because of their obsessive hoarding of money.