wandering

1 of 2

adjective

wan·​der·​ing ˈwän-d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce wandering (audio)
: 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

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
Take in all of Bernardo’s wandering wonder, then listen to what makes your traveling heart beat stronger. Laura Manske, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 The wandering nerve was apparent to the first anatomists, notably Galen, the Greek polymath who lived until around the year 216. R. Douglas Fields, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Sep. 2024
Noun
Marijuana can help keep the mind from wandering and also help focus on the breathing technique, which is central to meditating. Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2024 Crisp foliage, hot coffee, and wandering walks through Central Park—this is New York City at its finest. Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wandering 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wandering.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of wandering was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near wandering

Cite this Entry

“Wandering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wandering. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

wandering

1 of 2 adjective
wan·​der·​ing ˈwän-də-riŋ How to pronounce wandering (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on wandering

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