1. people who search for valuable objects in mud, especially along riverbanks or shores
Usage: historical; British
2. children who play in mud or dirty conditions
Usage: informal; dated

Examples

• Victorian mudlarks searched the Thames for coins and metal scraps.
• The mudlarks found old pottery fragments buried in the riverbank.
• Historical accounts describe mudlarks as poor children who scavenged for survival.
• Modern mudlarks use metal detectors to find archaeological treasures.
• The museum displayed artifacts recovered by mudlarks over the centuries.
• Licensed mudlarks must report significant finds to authorities.