What does “wander” mean?
- 1
verbto walk slowly around a place without a clear purpose or direction
We spent the afternoon wandering around the old town.
- 2
verbto stop paying attention so your thoughts move to other things
My mind kept wandering during the lecture.
Wander at a glance
- Part of speech
- verb
- CEFR level
- B2 (upper intermediate)
- Pronunciation
- /ˈwɑndər/ · WON-der
How to use “wander” correctly
Don’t confuse with “wonder” (WUN-der), which means to ask yourself something. “Wander” rhymes with “ponder”.
Common phrases with “wander”
- wander around
- wander off
- mind wanders
- wander aimlessly
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- roam
- stroll
- drift
Word family
- wanderer
- wandering
“wander” is on these word lists
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