stranger

word

/ˈstɹeɪndʒɝ/
STRAYN-jur
/stɹˈeɪndʒɐ/
STRAYN-juh

Definition

A stranger is a person you do not know. It can also mean someone who is new or unfamiliar in a place or situation.

Usage & Nuances

Most commonly means 'a person you don't know': 'talk to a stranger', 'a complete stranger'. It can also appear in patterns like 'be no stranger to' (be familiar with) and in more literary use to mean unfamiliar or foreign. 'Strange' describes something unusual; 'stranger' is usually a person.

Example Sentences

The child did not want to talk to the stranger.

basic

She was a complete stranger an hour ago, and now we're having coffee together.

natural

A stranger helped me find the station.

basic

I felt like a stranger in the new school.

basic

Even after ten years abroad, he still feels like a stranger in his hometown.

natural

I'm no stranger to long nights at the office.

natural