I. ˈwändə(r) also ˈwȯn- verb
( wandered ; wandered ; wandering -d(ə)riŋ ; wanders )
Etymology: Middle English wandren, wanderen, from Old English wandrian; akin to Middle Dutch & Middle Low German wanderen to wander, Middle High German wandern, Old English windan to turn, wind, twist — more at wind
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to move about without a fixed course, aim, or goal
wander about the world
b. : to go idly about for pleasure or relaxation
a crowd wandering on a village green
2.
a. : to travel especially slowly by a devious or indirect route : take a roundabout or leisurely course
cattle wandering toward pasture
b. : to take a slow winding course : meander
a wandering stream
3.
a. : to deviate (as from a path or course) : stray
wander from a trail
b. : to go astray morally : err
wander from proper conduct
4. : to depart from normal mental status : lose touch with everyday rational conduct : become harmlessly irrational
old men with wandering minds
5. : to pass especially without plan from one to another : circulate
a wandering rumor
transitive verb
: to roam over
wander woodlands
II. noun
( -s )
: the act or action of wandering : ramble , stroll
out for a wander in the countryside