# ramble

/ˈɹæmbəɫ/ (US) · /ɹˈæmbəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ramble
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a long, informal talk or piece of writing that goes off in many different directions. It is often used when someone is speaking without a clear plan.

For teachers: a long, informal, and often meandering speech or piece of writing. Frequently used to describe a lack of structure or a tendency to drift from the main topic.

## Examples

- The professor gave a long ramble about his summer holiday.
- I tried to ask a specific question, but he just gave me a long ramble about his new car.
- The essay was a ramble through various historical events without ever providing a clear thesis or connecting the dots between the different periods.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.