WordGarden.iomeander
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /miːˈændə/
US
- /miˈændər/
Meanings
Verb
to follow a winding course or move without a direct route
to speak or write in a rambling, indirect way
Noun
a winding bend or loop, especially in a river
Beyond the definition
Imagine a lazy river, not rushing straight to the sea, but gently curving and turning as it flows through the land. That's what it means to meander. It describes movement that is slow and not direct, more like an easy stroll than a straight march. A path might meander through a forest, a conversation might meander from topic to topic, and even your thoughts can meander when you're daydreaming. Think of a storyteller who takes their time and wanders away from the main point now and then: they meander through the tale.
To meander means to follow a winding course, like a river snaking its way across a plain. It suggests a lack of directness or urgency; instead of taking the shortest route, something that meanders takes its time and explores along the way. The word originally described the twisting paths of rivers, but it's now used more broadly to describe any kind of wandering movement – physical or metaphorical.
You might say "The old road meandered through the hills," picturing a scenic drive with lots of curves. Or perhaps "Her speech meandered from politics to gardening," meaning she didn't stick to one topic and drifted around. A writer might meander through a story, adding details and digressions before reaching the main point.
The beauty of meandering lies in its relaxed, unplanned nature. It's about the journey, not just the destination. While a direct path is efficient, a meandering one can be full of unexpected discoveries and pleasant detours. So next time you find yourself taking the long way or speaking in a slow, winding way, remember that you're simply meandering – following an unhurried path.
Examples
- 1
River course
The river meanders through the valley before it reaches the sea.
- 2
Exploring a town
We spent the afternoon meandering around the old town.
- 3
Path shape
A narrow path meanders between the trees.
- 4
Storytelling
His story meandered from childhood memories to complaints about work.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Unfocused meeting
The meeting meandered on for an hour before anyone made a decision.
- Phrasemeander on
continue slowly and without much focus
- 6
River bends
From the hill, we could see the river's wide meanders across the plain.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- meanderverbnoun
Forms
- meandering-ing formverbnoun
- meandersverbnoun
- meanderedpast tenseverbnoun