First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1ramble
verb ram·ble \ˈram-bəl\
: to walk or go from one place to another place without a specific goal, purpose, or direction
: to go from one subject to another without any clear purpose or direction
ram·bledram·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of RAMBLE
intransitive verb
1
a : to move aimlessly from place to place b : to explore idly
2
: to talk or write in a desultory or long-winded wandering fashion
3
: to grow or extend irregularly
transitive verb
: to wander over : roam
— ram·bling·ly \-b(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb
See ramble defined for English-language learners
See ramble defined for kids
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Origin of RAMBLE
Middle English, probably alteration of romblen, frequentative of romen to roam
Related to RAMBLE
- Synonyms
- blather (on), go on, maunder, rattle, run on, run one's mouth
Synonym Discussion of RAMBLE
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>.
2ramble
noun
: a long walk for pleasure
: a long speech or piece of writing that goes from one subject to another without any clear purpose or direction
Full Definition of RAMBLE
1
: a leisurely excursion for pleasure; especially : an aimless walk
2
: a rambling story or discussion
See ramble defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of RAMBLE
1654
RAMBLING Defined for Kids
1ramble
verb ram·ble \ˈram-bəl\
ram·bledram·bling
Definition of RAMBLE for Kids
1
: to go aimlessly from place to place : wander <She spent a year rambling around the country.>
2
: to talk or write without a clear purpose or point
3
: to grow or extend in many directions <a rambling vine>
2ramble
noun
Definition of RAMBLE for Kids
: a long stroll with no particular destination
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