Did you know?
Wanderlust Has German Roots
"For my part," writes Robert Louis Stevenson in Travels with a Donkey, "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 hike or roam about," and Lust means "pleasure or delight."
Examples of wanderlust in a Sentence
Priscilla Mak, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2024
Sagittarius: Prague, Czech Republic Adventure-loving Sagittarians have lifelong wanderlust, so retiring abroad is ideal — and the unique European city of Prague will surely offer you a fulfilling quality of life during your retirement years.
—Nina Kahn, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2024
This summer, let your wanderlust lead you to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, recognized with a prestigious Blue Flag.
—Jahnavi Bhatt, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2024
Asia, with its rich cultural tapestry, affordable living costs, and diverse landscapes, has emerged as a hotspot for digital nomads seeking to merge their professional obligations with an insatiable wanderlust.
—William Mullane, Journal Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for wanderlust 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wanderlust.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near wanderlust
Cite this Entry
“Wanderlust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wanderlust. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wanderlust
noun
Share