digital nomad

noun

plural digital nomads
: someone who performs their occupation entirely over the Internet while traveling
Let's say you're thinking about becoming a digital nomad this summer, making the most of your company's work-from-home policy as borders reopen before the bosses require you back in the office.Jenny Gross
especially : such a person who has no permanent fixed home address
Most people have to pay to commute to and from work every day, which also leads to wear and tear on vehicles and the potential for costly repairs. As a digital nomad, Vonwiegen doesn't have to worry about these expenses. That means more money in his pocket—or retirement account. Kathryn Mancewicz
Another trend is to eschew both the office and the home and to work more or less permanently on the road. The result is the phenomenon of the digital nomad, a person who uses technology, particularly wireless networking, to work without requiring a fixed address. Paul McFedries
compare road warrior

Examples of digital nomad in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Portugal has seen an uptick in interest from economic migrants thanks to its relaxed way of life, hot climate, and historic openness to digital nomads. Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 20 Mar. 2024 Once mired in instability, the city has reinvented itself with a burgeoning tech scene that attracts digital nomads from all over the world, as well as public infrastructure, education, and transportation advancements with a focus on sustainability. Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Mar. 2024 There are other alternatives available as well if neither the self-sufficiency or digital nomad visa suits your objectives. Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Spain also offers a digital nomad visa and an entrepreneur visa. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2024 The country is also launching a digital nomad program, allowing foreigners to travel to Japan and work at the same time in an effort to expand tourism. Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2024 Nor are new working lifestyles such as being a digital nomad or a freelancer. Dina Mattar, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 There are digital nomads, artists and chefs who came on a whim and a shoestring. Christian Shepherd, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2024 Now, in a K-fan dream come true, international remote workers can live and work in the East Asian hub for up to two years thanks to a new digital nomad visa. Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'digital nomad.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1993, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of digital nomad was in 1993

Dictionary Entries Near digital nomad

Cite this Entry

“Digital nomad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/digital%20nomad. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!