bindle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Archaic, Slang
Quick answer
What does “bindle” mean?
A small bundle of possessions or belongings, traditionally wrapped in cloth and tied to a stick, carried by a hobo or migrant worker.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small bundle of possessions or belongings, traditionally wrapped in cloth and tied to a stick, carried by a hobo or migrant worker.
A bundle or package, often small and portable, potentially used to carry drugs or other contraband. In modern contexts, it's strongly associated with hobo culture and historical depictions of the American Great Depression.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively American in origin and cultural reference. It is rare in British English, where terms like 'bundle,' 'parcel,' or 'swag bag' might be used for similar concepts, but without the specific historical subcultural connotations.
Connotations
American usage: Strong historical, hobo/counterculture. British usage: Not widely recognized; if understood, seen as an Americanism with specific historical context.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in British English; low and highly context-specific in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “bindle” in a Sentence
carry + (a) + bindlemake + (a) + bindle + (out of/of) + materialtie + (a) + bindleshoulder + (a) + bindleVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical, sociological, or literary studies focusing on American history, the Great Depression, or subcultures.
Everyday
Very rare; if used, it's for deliberate stylistic effect, humor, or in specific cultural references (e.g., discussing movies or books about hobos).
Technical
Not used in any technical field.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bindle”
- Misspelling as 'bundle' (a more common, general synonym).
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Assuming it is a common, contemporary term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic term. Its use is mostly limited to historical discussions, nostalgic Americana, or as a deliberate stylistic choice.
It is a slang term, now dated and potentially offensive, for a migratory laborer or hobo who carried a bindle, implying they were unskilled or of low social standing.
Yes, in some niche, modern underworld slang, 'bindle' can refer to a small packet of powdered drugs, extending from its original meaning of a small bundle. This usage is not standard.
A bindle is an improvised, often cloth-wrapped bundle tied to a stick for carrying, associated with a specific historical era. A backpack is a manufactured bag with straps, designed for carrying on the back and used universally in modern times.
A small bundle of possessions or belongings, traditionally wrapped in cloth and tied to a stick, carried by a hobo or migrant worker.
Bindle is usually informal, archaic, slang in register.
Bindle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɪnd(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɪnd(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bindle stiff (slang: a hobo who carries a bindle, often implying a migratory laborer)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a hobo using a piece of STRING to BIND a bundle—it's a BINDLE.
Conceptual Metaphor
MINIMALISM/POVERTY IS A BUNDLE; THE JOURNEY IS A BUNDLE ON A STICK.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'bindle' most appropriately used?