What does meandering mean?
Meandering describes something that follows a winding, indirect course rather than a straight or purposeful route. The word is especially common for paths, rivers, roads, and journeys, as in “a meandering country lane,” but it can also characterize speech or writing that repeatedly departs from the main subject. In those contexts, meandering often carries a mildly critical implication of being rambling or unfocused, although it can be used more neutrally to suggest a leisurely or exploratory quality. Its vivid imagery comes from the Maeander River in ancient Greece, whose many bends were so well known that the river's name became the source of the word. Meandering is therefore useful when describing both physical curves and the circuitous movement of ideas.
Winding or twisting in a long, irregular course; wandering without a direct route. It can also describe speech or writing that is lengthy and digressive.
"The meandering path led them through fields and along a slow, shallow river."
Commonly used of paths, rivers, journeys, conversations, and writing; when applied to speech or prose, it may suggest lack of focus.
A winding or indirect course, especially a path, journey, river, or movement that follows a twisting route.
"The hikers enjoyed the gentle meandering of the trail through the meadow."
Less common than the adjective; usually used with the definite article or in the form “a meandering.”
The word comes from the famously winding Maeander River in ancient Greece, whose looping course made it the model for both the word and the surrounding landscape of Greek mythology.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does meandering come from?
The word comes through English meander, from the Latin maenander, a name for the Maeander River in ancient Greece. The river was noted for its numerous winding bends, and its name was adopted for a winding or tortuous course. English uses the present participle meandering for both physical winding and, by extension, indirect or digressive movement in speech and writing.
Related word forms
How meandering is actually used
Usually used to describe a path, river, journey, conversation, or piece of writing. It is generally neutral, though it can suggest aimlessness or lack of focus when applied to people, speech, or prose.