ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wandering

adj. · n.
US //ˈwɑndɝɪŋ// UK //wˈɒndəɹɪŋ// wan·der·ing
  1. 1 moving around (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    moving from one place to another without a fixed plan or home.

    travelling from place to place without a fixed route or permanent residence.

    Example

    The wandering musicians travelled from village to village playing for food.

    Example

    The wandering tribes of the central plains maintained a seasonal migration pattern that had remained unchanged for centuries.
  2. 2 not focused (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describing a mind or gaze that is not staying on one topic or object.

    characterised by a lack of focus or concentration; shifting aimlessly between thoughts or visual points.

    Example

    He had a wandering mind and found it hard to finish his homework.

    Example

    The professor noticed the student's wandering gaze and realized the lecture had failed to capture the class's interest.
  3. 3 aimless travel (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    the act of walking or travelling around with no particular goal.

    the act of travelling or roaming without a predetermined destination or itinerary.

    Example

    After years of wandering, he finally decided to buy a house by the sea.

    Example

    Her restless wandering through the ancient city streets eventually led her to a small, forgotten chapel near the river.
  4. 4 confused speech (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Medicine

    speech that is confused or does not make sense, often because of a high fever.

    disordered or delirious speech, typically resulting from illness or mental confusion.

    Example

    The patient's wandering made it difficult for the doctor to understand his symptoms.

    Example

    During the height of the fever, the patient's quiet wanderings suggested a deep state of cognitive disorientation.

    Usage

    Often used in the plural form 'wanderings' when describing delirium.
Origin

From wander + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026