meandering

UK: /mɪˈændərɪŋ/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

me•an•der /miˈændɚ/   v. [no object]

1. to proceed by a winding course:
   a stream meandering through the valley.
2. to wander aimlessly.

n. [countable]

3. a winding path.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

me•an•der  (mē an′dər), v.i. 

1. to proceed by or take a winding or indirect course:
   The stream meandered through the valley.
2. to wander aimlessly;
   ramble:
   The talk meandered on.

v.t. 

3. Surveying to define the margin of (a body of water) with a meander line.

n. 

4. Usually, meanders. turnings or windings;
   a winding path or course.
5. a circuitous movement or journey.
6. an intricate variety of fret or fretwork.

• Greek maíandros a winding, special use of Maíandros, the Menderes River, noted for its winding course
• Latin maeander
• 1570–80

me•an′der•er, n. 
me•an′der•ing•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 1. wander, wind, twist, snake, coil.

Me•an•der  (mē an′dər), n. 

1. Place Names ancient name of the Menderes. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

meander / mɪˈændə/ verb (intransitive)

1. to follow a winding course
2. to wander without definite aim or direction

noun

1. (often plural) a curve or bend, as in a river
2. (often plural) a winding course or movement
3. an ornamental pattern, esp as used in ancient Greek architecture

Etymology: 16th Century: from Latin maeander, from Greek Maiandros the River Maeander; see Menderes (sense 1)

meˈandering adjective