walkabout

noun

walk·​about ˈwȯ-kə-ˌbau̇t 

1

: a short period of wandering bush life engaged in by an Australian aborigine as an occasional interruption of regular work

—often used in the phrase go walkabout

The man who went walkabout was making a ritual journey.

—Bruce Chatwin

2

: something (such as a journey) similar to a walkabout

3

: a walking tour

especially, British : one in which a well-known person mingles with the public

went walkabout in the streets

Examples of walkabout in a Sentence

Many people gathered to meet the Queen during her walkabout.

Recent Examples on the Web

Among the most prominent findings from community outreach, which included surveys, walkabouts, pop-up events and a builder’s breakfast, were concerns about traffic speeding, inadequate lighting, lack of street trees and the absence of a cohesive identity for the corridor. —Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026

When the Wrexham players had finally done their pre-match walkabout, the stewards told the supporters to move back because the Chelsea team were on their way. —Oliver Kay, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026

Despite the callouts during the walkabout, King Charles did not appear to respond, continuing down the line of people and shaking hands, the outlet said. —Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026

Loughrey is a true fan of the British royal family and has camped out for events including royal baby births, important royal engagements and Christmas walkabouts at Sandringham. —Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing walkabout

• go walkabout

Rhymes for walkabout

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• turnabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout