ENGLISH
REFERENCE

roaming

v. · n.
US //ˈɹoʊmɪŋ// UK //ɹˈəʊmɪŋ// roam·ing
  1. 1 wandering (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    moving or travelling around a large area without a specific goal.

    moving about aimlessly or unsystematically over a wide area; the present participle form of 'roam'.

    Example

    We spent the afternoon roaming through the old streets of the city.

    Example

    Wild cattle were seen roaming across the plains, undisturbed by the presence of the researchers' distant camp.
  2. 2 mobile phone service (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    using your mobile phone on a different network, usually when you are in another country.

    the ability for a customer to automatically make and receive voice calls, send and receive data, or access other services when travelling outside the geographical coverage area of the home network.

    Example

    Check your mobile plan to see if roaming is included before you travel abroad.

    Example

    The European Union eliminated additional roaming charges for citizens travelling between member states, significantly reducing the cost of mobile data usage.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun or as a modifier in 'roaming charges'.
    • network access
  3. 3 computing profiles (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    the way your computer files and settings follow you when you log in to different devices on the same network.

    the technology that allows a user's profile, including documents and settings, to be synchronised across multiple workstations within a managed network environment.

    Example

    With roaming enabled, I can see my desktop icons on any computer in the office.

    Example

    The IT department implemented roaming profiles to ensure that staff could access their personalised settings regardless of which terminal they used.

    Usage

    Typically refers to 'roaming profiles' in a Windows server environment.
Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026