Word
meander
Phoneticsme·an·der, stress on the second syllable
US/miˈændɝ/
UK/miːˈændɐ/
Definition
v. to follow a path that is not straight, like a river that curves back and forth. You can also use it to describe a person walking slowly without a clear direction.
v. to follow a winding or indirect course; to wander aimlessly or without a fixed destination. Often describes the physical path of a river or the conversational style of a speaker.
Examples
“The small stream meanders through the green fields.”
“We spent the afternoon meandering through the old city streets, stopping at whatever shops caught our eye.”
“The river meanders across the flood plain in wide loops, eventually creating oxbow lakes when the current cuts through the narrowest points of the bends.”
Examples
simple
“The small stream meanders through the green fields.”
contextual
“We spent the afternoon meandering through the old city streets, stopping at whatever shops caught our eye.”
complex
“The river meanders across the flood plain in wide loops, eventually creating oxbow lakes when the current cuts through the narrowest points of the bends.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “meander” in context.
Verb
01. meander aimlessly
“We spent the afternoon meandering aimlessly through the narrow streets of the old town.”
verb + adv
02. meander along
“We meandered along the riverbank, enjoying the cool evening breeze.”
verb + prep
03. meander slowly
“The river meanders slowly across the flat coastal plain.”
verb + adv
04. meander through
“The path meanders through dense forest before reaching the summit.”
verb + prep
05. meander across the landscape
“Small streams meander across the landscape, feeding into the Great Lake.”
06. meander in and out
“The road meanders in and out of the shadows cast by the mountain peaks.”
07. meander off the point
“The professor's lecture began to meander off the point, losing the students' attention.”
Usage
Intransitive verb; does not take a direct object. Often followed by prepositions like 'through', 'along', or 'across'.
Real-World Examples
“For centuries meandering rivers have been straightened – but experts say restoring their natural bends and curves can prevent flooding and create healthy habitats for wildlife.” “The paths of meandering rivers, which curve back and forth across landscapes the world over, can shift by dozens of meters per year.” “The twisting, meandering river, and the many oxbow lakes it has created, stand out as dark blue lines amid the bright green farms.” “There was no more pleasurable hour to be had in the entire journey than this final fjord-side meander.” Etymology
From Latin Maeander, from Ancient Greek Μαίανδρος (Maíandros) – a river in Asia Minor (present day Turkey) known for its winding course (modern Turkish Menderes).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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