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meander
/miˈændər/
to wander aimlessly
We meandered through the old town, enjoying the scenery.
We wandered without a specific destination, exploring the old town.
informal
to move or walk in a leisurely, winding, or indirect way
The river meanders through the valley.
The river flows in a winding, indirect path through the valley.
After dinner, we meandered through the park.
After dinner, we walked leisurely and without a fixed route through the park.
Often used to describe a relaxed, unhurried movement or path.
informal
to speak or write in a long-winded or indirect manner
He meandered through his speech, never getting to the point.
He spoke in a roundabout, indirect way, avoiding the main topic.
Used to describe speech or writing that is unnecessarily lengthy or indirect.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Literal and Figurative Use
Meander can describe both physical movement (e.g., a river or a person walking) and abstract concepts like speech or writing.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
The meaning of 'meander' depends on the context. It can describe physical movement or the style of speech/writing.
Word Origin
From the Greek 'maiandros', meaning 'winding, intricate', related to the river Meander in modern-day Turkey.
Usage Notes
The word is often used to describe a relaxed, unhurried movement or path, whether physical or metaphorical.
Word Breakdown
meander
to move or walk in a winding, indirect way
rootEnglish Dictionary