wandering

1 of 2

adjective

wan·​der·​ing ˈwän-d(ə-)riŋ 

: characterized by aimless, slow, or pointless movement: such as

a

: that winds or meanders

a wandering course

b

: not keeping a rational or sensible course : vagrant

c

: nomadic

wandering tribes

d

of a plant : having long runners or tendrils

wandering

2 of 2

noun

1

: a going about from place to place

—often used in plural

2

: movement away from the proper, normal, or usual course or place

—often used in plural

Synonyms

Adjective

• desultory
• digressional
• digressionary
• digressive
• discursive
• excursive
• leaping
• maundering
• meandering
• rambling

Examples of wandering in a Sentence

Adjective

your decidedly wandering essay loses its punch—stick to one theme

a wandering carnival that visited small towns all over the South

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The wandering nerve was apparent to the first anatomists, notably Galen, the Greek polymath who lived until around the year 216. —R Douglas Fields, WIRED, 29 Sep. 2024

The film is narrated in the languages of the cultures the characters move through, as Burmese gives way to Thai, to Vietnamese, and beyond — a wandering, collective dream. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2024

Noun

Mindfulness meditation and conscious deep breathing keep your brain from wandering and your focus sharp. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Drowning, traffic injuries, dehydration, heat stroke, hypothermia, falls and encounters with strangers are among the dangers cited as outcomes of wandering or elopement, according to a study referenced by the National Autism Association. —Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 6 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing wandering

• wandering albatross
• wandering dude
• wandering eye

Medical Definition

wandering

1 of 2 adjective

wan·​der·​ing ˈwän-də-riŋ 

: floating

a wandering spleen

wandering

2 of 2 noun

: movement of a tooth out of its normal position especially as a result of periodontal disease