nomadism

Definition

A lifestyle or social pattern characterized by the regular movement of people or groups from place to place, typically to access resources like grazing land, water, or game. Contrasts with sedentary settlement.

Example Usage

The herding communities practiced nomadism for centuries, moving their livestock across the steppes with the seasons.

Origin

From Greek 'nomas' (wandering, pastoral) and 'nomos' (custom, law), combined with the suffix '-ism.'

Fun Fact

Nomadism remains practiced today among groups like the Bedouin, Sami, and various pastoral communities, though many have adopted semi-nomadic or settled lifestyles.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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