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

The adventurous rapper and producer take a more refined approach on a collaborative album full of wandering thoughts and odd, understated beats. —Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026

Another bill would require the Maryland Department of Health to create a webpage of resources for caregivers of individuals — due to age, disability, chronic illness or other functional limitations — including guidance on safety planning for wandering and elopement. —Danielle J. Brown, Baltimore Sun, 22 Mar. 2026

Noun

This former flying club and private villa isn’t in the village of Parkgate itself, but is only a 10-minute drive away; close enough to provide some country-house calm within easy reach of a day’s estuary wandering. —Rob Crossan, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Mar. 2026

Our strength was about gone, and our wanderings would have ended somewhere along the Wabigoon. —Elwyn "bud" Myers, Outdoor Life, 11 Mar. 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