tramp
word
Definition
As a verb, it means to walk with heavy, tired steps, often for a long distance. As a noun, it can mean a person with no home or job, but that use is old-fashioned and can sound offensive.
Usage & Nuances
The verb is uncommon in everyday speech but appears in stories and descriptive writing: 'tramp through the mud', 'tramp across town'. The noun is much more sensitive; avoid using it for real people unless you are discussing older texts or historical usage. Don't confuse it with the unrelated informal noun meaning a sexually promiscuous woman, which is strongly insulting.
Example Sentences
We tramped for two hours in the rain.
basic
The soldiers tramped down the road.
basic
In the old novel, a tramp asks for food.
basic
After missing the last bus, we had to tramp all the way home.
natural
I spent the afternoon tramping through wet fields looking for the dog.
natural
He came home late, tramping mud across the kitchen floor.
natural