¹meander

noun me·an·der \mē-ˈan-dər\

Definition of MEANDER

: a winding path or course; especially : labyrinth

: a turn or winding of a stream

— me·an·drous \-drəs\ adjective

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Origin of MEANDER

Latin maeander, from Greek maiandros, from Maiandros (now Menderes), river in Asia Minor

First Known Use: 1576

Other Geology Terms

anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale

Rhymes with MEANDER

backhander, blackhander, bystander, commander, demander, expander, flatlander, germander, glad-hander, goosander, grandstander, inlander, Leander, left-hander, Lysander, mainlander, outlander, philander, pomander, right-hander, scrimshander, soft-lander, Uitlander

²meander

verb

: to have a lot of curves instead of going in a straight or direct line : to follow a winding course

: to walk slowly without a specific goal, purpose, or direction

: to go from one topic to another without any clear direction

meanderedmeander·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\

Full Definition of MEANDER

intransitive verb

: to follow a winding or intricate course

: to wander aimlessly or casually without urgent destination : ramble

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First Known Use of MEANDER

circa 1612

Related to MEANDER

Synonyms: bat, cruise, drift, float, gad (about), gallivant (also galavant), kick around, knock (about), maunder, wander, mooch, ramble, range, roam, rove, traipse

Synonym Discussion of MEANDER

wander, roam, ramble, rove, traipse, meander mean to go about from place to place usually without a plan or definite purpose. wander implies an absence of or an indifference to a fixed course <fond of wandering about the square just watching the people>. roam suggests wandering about freely and often far afield <liked to roam through the woods>. ramble stresses carelessness and indifference to one's course or objective <the speaker rambled on without ever coming to the point>. rove suggests vigorous and sometimes purposeful roaming <armed brigands roved over the countryside>. traipse implies a course that is erratic but may sometimes be purposeful <traipsed all over town looking for the right dress>. meander implies a winding or intricate course suggestive of aimless or listless wandering <the river meanders for miles through rich farmland>.

MEANDERING Defined for Kids