What does peregrinate mean?
To peregrinate is to travel or wander from one place to another, usually with no fixed destination. The word has a literary, formal character and can suggest an extended journey undertaken for adventure, discovery, or escape from ordinary life. It may also convey a degree of aimlessness, as in descriptions of people who wander indefinitely rather than following a planned itinerary. “Peregrinate” is most often used in writing about journeys across countries or continents, though it can apply more broadly to movement between places. Its related noun, “peregrination,” is used in similar contexts and sounds especially appropriate for reflective or poetic descriptions of travel. Although the word is uncommon in everyday speech, it is valued when a more expressive alternative to “travel” or “wander” is wanted.
verbTo travel or wander from place to place, especially over a long distance. It is formal and often implies travel without a fixed destination or itinerary.
- To travel from place to place, especially as a long or unhurried journey undertaken without a fixed destination.
"After graduating, she decided to peregrinate across Europe before beginning work."
"They spent the summer peregrinating along the coast of Portugal."
"The play traces a novelist who peregrinates through Europe in search of his missing sister."
From the same Latin root as “pilgrim,” peregrinate turns a journey abroad into a deliberate wanderer’s quest.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does peregrinate come from?
The word comes from Latin peregrinari, meaning “to travel as a foreigner” or “to go on a journey,” derived from peregrinus, “foreign” or “from abroad.” It entered English during the early 16th century in the context of travel and wandering. Its relatives include the adjective and noun “peregrine” and the noun “peregrination,” while “pilgrim” ultimately comes from the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How peregrinate is actually used
This is a formal literary verb. It can suggest freedom and adventure, but it may also carry the slightly dismissive sense of drifting without a clear purpose.
Easily confused with peregrinate
To peregrinate is to travel or wander, whereas a peregrine is a falcon or, as an adjective, relating to travel or foreign residence.