English Dictionary

Definition of “meander”

meander (mɪˈændə Pronunciation for meander

Definitions

verb

  1. to follow a winding course
  2. to wander without definite aim or direction

noun

  1. often plural a curve or bend, as in a river
  2. often plural a winding course or movement
  3. an ornamental pattern, esp as used in ancient Greek architecture

Derived Forms

meˈanderer noun
meˈandering adjective
meˈanderingly adverb
meˈandrous adjective

Word Origin

C16: from Latin maeander, from Greek Maiandros the River Maeander; see Menderes (sense 1)

Meander (miːˈændə Pronunciation for Meander

Definitions

noun

  1. a variant spelling of Maeander

Translations for 'meander'

  • British English: meander If a river or road meanders, it has a lot of bends, rather than going in a straight line from one place to another. VERB...roads that meandered round the edges of the fields.
  • Brazilian Portuguese: serpentear
  • Chinese: 蜿蜒
  • European Spanish: serpentear
  • French: serpenter
  • German: sich schlängeln
  • Italian: snodarsi
  • Japanese: 曲がりくねっている
  • Korean: 구불구불대다
  • Portuguese: serpentear
  • Spanish: serpentear

Example Sentences Including 'meander'

For the next week we meander gently eastwards, hiking by day and spending nights in comfortable hotels or traditional French gites.
The Australian (2004)
He got out of the car and started a slow meander around the commercial area of the marina.
Val McDermid THE LAST TEMPTATION (2002)
I meander aimlessly through Camden, past the open-fronted shops displaying their racks of tan leather coats and impractical footwear.
Alex George LOVE YOU MADLY (2002)
I shrugged away the temptation to meander down fascinating tangential paths and pursued my search for I didn't know what.
Pickard, Nancy No Body
If the queue is bad, content yourself with a meander down the same street, browsing the excellent contemporary-art galleries.
Times, Sunday Times (2004)
In the valley of a meandering river, the route of the fastest flowing water will undercut the outer bank of the meander.
Jilbert, John Geography Basic Facts
Select versatile varieties that will climb over pergolas and arches, and meander through the branches of small trees and shrubs.
Times, Sunday Times (2002)
There's no reporter asking questions in this film - it's just a casual meander through Tamworth chatting to the locals along the way.
Misc (1995)
Warns Sudarshan Sampatkumar, 36, Associate Partner, Andersen Consulting: "Without an owner, the knowledge will meander.
Business Today (1999)

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