First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
roam
verb \ˈrōm\
: to go to different places without having a particular purpose or plan
Full Definition of ROAM
intransitive verb
1
: to go from place to place without purpose or direction : wander
2
: to travel purposefully unhindered through a wide area <cattle roaming in search of water>
3
: to use a cellular phone outside one's local calling area <roaming charges>
transitive verb
: to range or wander over
— roam noun
— roam·er noun
See roam defined for English-language learners
See roam defined for kids
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Origin of ROAM
Middle English romen
Related to ROAM
Synonym Discussion of ROAM
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>.
ROAMER Defined for Kids
roam
verb \ˈrōm\
roamedroam·ing
Definition of ROAM for Kids
: to go from place to place with no fixed purpose or direction
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