What does stroll mean?
A stroll is a walk taken at an easy, unhurried pace, usually for pleasure, relaxation, or conversation. The word carries a mild sense of leisure and can suggest that the destination matters less than the experience of moving through the surrounding place. As a verb, stroll means to walk slowly and casually, as in a description of someone strolling along a street, through a park, or into a café. Although a stroll is physically a walk, the word often conveys a more relaxed and pleasant atmosphere than a simple walk might imply. It can also be used figuratively, especially in phrases such as “stroll through an exhibition,” where it describes moving around without concentrating on any single item. Stroll is common in everyday British and American English and is suitable for informal descriptions as well as polished writing.
A leisurely walk taken for pleasure, relaxation, or informal sightseeing.
"They went for a stroll in the evening."
Often used in the expressions “take a stroll” and “go for a stroll.”
To walk slowly and casually, without hurry or urgency.
"We strolled along the beach after sunset."
Can also mean to move or enter somewhere in a relaxed, unhurried manner.
Used for multiple leisurely walks or instances of walking leisurely.
"They took several strolls through the old town."
A stroll turns ordinary walking into an unhurried ritual: the body moves, but the mind is expected to wander.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stroll come from?
The word entered English in the 16th century from the obsolete German verb strolzen, meaning “to saunter” or “wander.” The German word developed from an older European root associated with strolling or roaming, though its precise earlier history is not entirely transparent. English later developed stroller, originally meaning a person who strolls, for someone who takes leisurely walks.
Related word forms
How stroll is actually used
Stroll is generally neutral and often conveys a relaxed, pleasant pace. It can be used literally for a walk or figuratively for moving through a place or entering somewhere in an unhurried manner.