SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

perambulate

verb per·am·bu·late \ pə-ˈram-byə-ˌlāt \

Definition of perambulate

perambulated; perambulating

transitive verb

1 : to travel over or through especially on foot : traverse

2 : to make an official inspection of (a boundary) on foot

intransitive verb

: stroll

—

perambulation

play \pə-ˌram-byə-ˈlā-shən\ noun

—

perambulatory

play \pə-ˈram-byə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

See perambulate defined for kids

Examples of perambulate in a Sentence

we decided to lazily perambulate the entire length of the esplanade and enjoy the fresh air
long summer evenings spent perambulating up and down the tree-lined streets of the quaint village

Recent Examples of perambulate from the Web

Conveniently, Grey’s brother, Lord Melton, happens to be perambulating with Geneva and Isobel while Grey and Jamie are talking.

— roxane gay, Glamour, "Outlander Season 3, Episode 4 Recap: Melodramatic Possibilities and a Seriously Problematic Sex Scene," 1 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perambulate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of perambulate

Latin perambulatus, past participle of perambulare, from per- through + ambulare to walk

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

See Words from the same year

perambulate Synonyms

Synonyms

course, cover, cross, cut (across), follow, go, navigate, pass (over), peregrinate, proceed (along), track, transit, travel, traverse;

Related Words

hike, traipse, tramp, tread, walk;

Learn More about perambulate

See words that rhyme with perambulate Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for perambulate

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Examples: perambulate in a Sentence