What does peripatetics mean?
Peripatetics are people who move from place to place rather than settling permanently in one location. The word can suggest itinerant scholars, travellers, or members of a community whose way of life involves continual movement, although it is more literary than ordinary terms such as “travellers” or “nomads.” Its best-known historical association is with the school of Aristotle. The followers of Aristotle were called Peripatetics because, according to tradition, they listened to his lectures while walking, giving the philosophical school its name. In modern writing, “peripatetics” can evoke a deliberate, intellectually engaged approach to travel, but the plain sense remains that of people who wander or move about. The word is useful when describing both a mobile way of life and a specific historical philosophical tradition.
People who travel or wander from place to place, especially those whose way of life involves continual movement.
"The peripatetics spent the winter in several different countries."
The general sense is literary and less common than “travellers” or “wanderers.”
A member or adherent of the philosophical school associated with Aristotle.
"The peripatetics developed a systematic approach to logic, metaphysics, and ethics."
This is a historical and philosophical use; the name is associated with Aristotle's reputed practice of teaching while walking.
The standard plural of the singular noun “peripatetic” is “peripatetics.” The plural form is also the usual dictionary headword for the group or movement.
"The peripatetics formed a distinctive school within ancient philosophy."
The word preserves a walking lecture hall: Aristotle's followers were known for teaching while strolling.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of peripatetics
The word comes through Latin from Greek peripatetikos, meaning “of walking” or “peripatetic,” from peripatein, “to walk about.” The name was applied to Aristotle's school because its members traditionally received instruction while walking. English later developed the general sense of people who wander or travel from place to place, as well as the historical reference to Aristotle's philosophical followers.
Related word forms
How peripatetics is actually used
The general sense is uncommon in everyday English and may sound literary or formal. The historical sense is specialized and refers to the Aristotelian school and its tradition of teaching while walking; the name is traditionally linked with Aristotle's habit of discussing philosophy during walks.
Easily confused with peripatetics
“Peripatetic” is the adjective describing the itinerant school or people associated with it, while “peripatetics” usually names people who travel or wander.