Idler
ˈaɪdlər
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who spends time doing nothing productive; a lazy person.
ˈaɪdlər
A person who avoids work or effort.
He was accused of being an idler, always avoiding his responsibilities.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend who always wants to play video games instead of doing chores. That friend, who's avoiding work, is kind of an idler!
👶 For kids: Someone who doesn't like to work and just likes to play all day.
More Examples
The cafe became a popular spot for idlers to gossip and waste time.
How It's Used
"The beach was full of idlers enjoying the sunshine."
"The novel portrays the life of a social idler, wealthy but without purpose."
A wheel or pulley that serves to guide a belt or chain, but does not transmit power.
ˈaɪdlər
A wheel or pulley that runs free and transmits no power.
The idler pulley helps to maintain the tension of the belt.
💡 Simply: Imagine a roller in a machine that helps move something along, but doesn't actually do the work itself. That roller is an idler!
👶 For kids: A wheel that helps a belt or chain go around but doesn't make anything move.
More Examples
The conveyor system used multiple idlers to move packages efficiently.
How It's Used
"The idler pulley helps to guide the belt in the engine."
"The conveyor belt system relies on idlers to support and move materials."
From Middle English *ideler*, equivalent to *idle* + *-er* (agent suffix). The word reflects the concept of someone who spends their time idly, without purpose or work.
Used since the 14th century, the word has consistently referred to someone who avoids work and is given to leisure, reflecting societal attitudes towards productivity.
Memory tip
Think of someone who is always *idle*, doing nothing. They're an *idler*.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: idle