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

Give officers background clues about routines, favorite locations, past wandering episodes and favorite familiar landmarks to narrow the search area. —Panashe Matemba-Mutasa, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026

The narrative centers on the mercenary Dao Ma, a wandering bounty hunter who is entrusted to escort a mysterious fugitive across the treacherous Western deserts to the capital of Chang’an. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Mar. 2026

Noun

Our strength was about gone, and our wanderings would have ended somewhere along the Wabigoon. —Elwyn "bud" Myers, Outdoor Life, 11 Mar. 2026

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

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