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 of wandering

Adjective

• 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

This full-sun outdoor container stars a wandering dude vine with bold purple, green, and silver foliage. —Johanna Silver, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2026

In the Texas Hill Country following the Civil War, 14-year-old Travis is left in charge of the family ranch when his father goes on a long cattle drive and soon forges a reluctant bond with a wandering yellow dog. —Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026

Noun

There’s also a genius carry-on backpack for minimalists that could totally replace your suitcase, and a sleek mini sling bag that’s perfect for festivals, city wandering, or just keeping your essentials close and secure. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026

As Variety exclusively reported, the film was partly filmed in Sicily, which is notable for being a location for Odysseus’ wanderings in the epic. —Matt Minton, Variety, 19 Feb. 2026

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

Rhymes for wandering

• laundering
• pondering
• squandering

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