What is "on the street"

Street \Street\ (str[=e]t), n. [OE. strete, AS. str[=ae]t, fr. L. strata (sc. via) a paved way, properly fem. p. p. of sternere, stratum, to spread; akin to E. strew. See Strew, and cf. Stratum, Stray, v. & a.]

1. Originally, a paved way or road; a public highway; now commonly, a thoroughfare in a city or village, bordered by dwellings or business houses.

   He removed [the body of] Amasa from the street unto the field.
   --Coverdale.

   At home or through the high street passing.
   --Milton.

   Note: In an extended sense, street designates besides the roadway, the walks, houses, shops, etc., which border the thoroughfare.

   His deserted mansion in Duke Street.
   --Macaulay.

2. the roadway of a street[1], as distinguished from the sidewalk; as, children playing in the street.

3. the inhabitants of a particular street; as, the whole street knew about their impending divorce. The street (Broker's Cant), that thoroughfare of a city where the leading bankers and brokers do business; also, figuratively, those who do business there; as, the street would not take the bonds. on the street,

   1. homeless.

   2. unemployed. (a) not in prison, or released from prison; the murderer is still on the street.

      Street Arab, Street broker, etc. See under Arab, Broker, etc.

      Street door, a door which opens upon a street, or is nearest the street.

      street person, a homeless person; a vagrant.

      Syn: See Way.

adv. (context idiomatic English) Without a home; without the means to afford good shelter.