What does peregrination mean?
A peregrination is a journey that may involve travel across a wide area or from one place to another, often over an extended period. The word is more formal and literary than ordinary alternatives such as trip or journey, and it can convey a sense of movement, exploration, or even aimless wandering. In historical and religious contexts, a peregrination may refer to a journey undertaken for a significant purpose, such as pilgrimage or study. The term is especially useful when describing travel that is important as an experience rather than merely a way of reaching a destination. In modern writing, it often gives a sentence a historical or adventurous tone, as in accounts of a traveller's extended wanderings through unfamiliar regions.
nounA journey or course undertaken with a particular destination or purpose, especially a long or involved one. The word can also refer to wandering or travel from place to place.
- A journey, especially one involving several destinations or a prolonged course.
- The act or habit of wandering or travelling from place to place.
"Their peregrination through the mountains was marked by unexpected storms and remarkable discoveries."
"The scholar's peregrination across Europe resulted in a collection of manuscripts and unusual friendships."
"After years of peregrination, the family returned to the coastal town where they had grown up."
The plural is used for multiple journeys or instances of wandering or travelling.
"Her peregrinations took her from monasteries in Italy to remote islands in the Atlantic."
Peregrination comes from a Latin word for becoming a foreigner: even a straightforward journey carries the sense of leaving familiar surroundings behind.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does peregrination come from?
Peregrination comes from Latin peregrinatio, a noun formed from peregrinari, meaning to travel abroad or wander. Its underlying root peregrinus referred to a foreigner or someone from abroad. The related English word pilgrim entered through Old French and ultimately the same Latin tradition, while peregrine preserves a related sense of foreign or migratory.
Related word forms
How peregrination is actually used
Formal and literary. It can suggest either purposeful travel or a more aimless wandering, depending on context.
Easily confused with peregrination
A pilgrimage is a journey to a place of religious significance, whereas a peregrination can be any extended journey or wandering.