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meander

meander

1 5.2
A slow, aimless walk that follows a curving path
  • noun
  • /miˈændər/
translation icon : paseo
  • The GPS in my car was inadvertently set to "Avoid Tolls," and so my four-hour trip down the turnpike became a seven-hour meander through stop lights, back country highways, and the single-lane roads of north Florida.

Examples

  • His book features a delightful meander through the ancient ruins of the city, capturing their beauty.

  • So I took a meander through what they call their "Browse" feature.

    Blog text (24)
  • This is what I remember best about the walk, and it occupied maybe ten seconds out of half an hour's meander.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Anyway, the walkway is just this kind of slow, meandering path up to the pond.

  • The town is always popular with holidaymakers, but it's getting an extra boost this year with the recent opening of the Wales Coast Path, an 870-mile meander along the country's edge that includes Tenby on its route.

    Blog text (30)
  • This sensational, scenic two-lane road meanders along the shores of the Emerald Coast, known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

    Blog text (29)
  • We took a leisurely meander through the park, enjoying the flowers and birds along the way.

  • The trail offered a scenic meander along the river, perfect for a relaxing afternoon walk.

Synonyms

ramble
vsmeander
7 4.6

A walk in the countryside for pleasure with no fixed route

is an indirect path focused on the route rather than the walk
winding
vsmeander
2 3.1

A curved part of a road or river

is an indirect path taken in a relaxed or aimless way
circumbendibus route
vsmeander
  • Archaic
9.9

A longer, indirect way to go that avoids the direct road

is indirect but also highlights leisurely aimless movement

Antonyms

49 1.0

A line that does not curve and keeps the same direction

How Winding

labyrinth
31 7.4
meander
1 5.2
winding
2.7
curving
2.5
straight
1.0

Surface Forms

meander singular
meanders plural

Etymology

The word meander comes from an old Greek river called the Maeander, famous for its long, winding course. A helpful way to remember it is that a 'meander' is a slow, wandering path you take for pleasure.