wanderlust

noun

wan·​der·​lust ˈwän-dər-ˌləst How to pronounce wanderlust (audio)
: strong longing for or impulse toward wandering

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Wanderlust Has German Roots

"For my part," writes Robert Louis Stevenson in Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes, "I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move..." Sounds like a case of wanderlust if we ever heard one. Those with wanderlust don't necessarily need to go anywhere in particular; they just don't care to stay in one spot. The etymology of wanderlust is a very simple one that you can probably figure out yourself. Wanderlust is a lust for wandering. The word comes from German, in which wandern means "to wander, hike, or stray" and Lust means "pleasure" or "desire."

Examples of wanderlust in a Sentence

Wanderlust has led him to many different parts of the world.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The brand hand prints their designs on 100% Wexford linen, and these placemats are sure to inspire some wanderlust in anyone lucky enough to have a spot at one of your dinner parties. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 June 2025 Fouts, Charlie Joiner (Hall of Fame receiver), Kellen Winslow (Hall of Fame tight end/game changer), Chandler (there are receivers in the Hall who couldn’t touch him), John Jefferson (who could have made the Hall if not for wanderlust), and Chuck Muncie and James Brooks were great backs. Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025 Known for its uplifting and energizing effects, Durban Poison helps Sagittarius tap into their wanderlust while staying mentally sharp and focused. Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 9 June 2025 Follow Raven for continued coverage of world travel, vegan restaurants, luxury hotels, Disney vacations, and gift ideas for those with wanderlust. Robin Raven, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for wanderlust

Word History

Etymology

German, from wandern to wander + Lust desire, pleasure

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wanderlust was in 1875

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Cite this Entry

“Wanderlust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wanderlust. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

wanderlust

noun
wan·​der·​lust ˈwän-dər-ˌləst How to pronounce wanderlust (audio)
: strong longing to travel

More from Merriam-Webster on wanderlust

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