meander

USAGE SUMMARY

"meander" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a winding, curving, or indirect route or course of action. For example: "The river meandered through the valley, twisting and turning around the hills, until it reached the sea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It didn't meander through years of hidebound committee meetings.

The New York Times - Tech

Mawle had restored heather moorland, "rewetting" his land by blocking ditches to restore blanket bog, which is rich in rare sphagnum mosses, and also allowed his river to break out of its artificial banks and meander down the valley, reducing flood risk by slowing the progress of water into lowland Yorkshire.

The Guardian

Sited at the tip of the peninsular loop in the Thames meander, it will block sightlines from Westminster to the City of London and be far more dominant over the horizon than the Shard at Bermondsey, or "new Chinatown" soon to emerge upstream opposite Chelsea at Battersea.

The Guardian - Opinion

THE rivers and canals of Ho Chi Minh City (known locally as HCMC) meander like veins through its motorbike-clogged districts.

The Economist

Nearby, "amid the thorns and withered grass...dusty paths strewn with animal ordure meander up" to three Arab villages destined to fall in the looming war.Reflecting later on Israel's failings, Philo concludes that "to understand without the ache, you need to take distance from the scene".

The Economist

The author turns this to her advantage, allowing the book to meander eruditely, rather like an 18th-century conversation.Drunkenness and friendship gave the Kit-Cats a feeling of invincibility; so much so that they even tried to introduce the philistine English to opera.

The Economist

International matches can meander on for five days with frequent interruptions for rain before ending inconclusively in a draw.

The Economist

But if you are prepared to meander and occasionally indulge, then there is a wealth to discover within these pages.The Balinese have the most extravagant funeral rites.

The Economist

Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic which runs the festival (as well as Reading & Leeds, The Big Chill and Ireland's Electric Picnic), compares it to a Sunday supplement a complete cultural offering where you can meander through music, theatre and dance to comedy, film and literature.

The Economist

They may meander along the ground or drop out of the sky.

The Economist

In the dirty streets of Haradh, there are no African women to be seen.In the refugee camps outside the town, children meander through long, orderly rows of tents.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical path or course, use "meander" to evoke a sense of natural, unhurried movement or direction.

Common error

Avoid using "meander" to describe actions that are direct or goal-oriented. "Meander" implies a lack of clear direction or purpose.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "meander" is as a verb, describing a winding or indirect course. It can also function as a noun, referring to a winding curve or bend. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "meander" is a versatile word, primarily functioning as a verb to describe a winding or indirect course. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It's commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing, conveying a sense of unhurried movement or natural curves. While synonyms like "wander" or "wind" exist, "meander" distinctly emphasizes a curving path. Remember to use "meander" when the lack of clear direction or purpose is part of the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wander

Implies aimless movement without a specific destination, similar to a relaxed "meander".

wind

Suggests a curving or twisting path, like a river might "meander".

ramble

Indicates a leisurely walk or talk that deviates from a direct route or topic, resembling a thoughtful "meander".

deviate

Highlights a departure from a planned course or topic, akin to a metaphorical "meander".

stray

Suggests a slight departure from the intended path, similar to a subtle "meander".

drift

Implies a gradual movement influenced by external forces, akin to a slow "meander".

rove

Denotes traveling without a fixed route, close to the exploratory sense of "meander".

undulate

Emphasizes a wave-like motion or form, similar to the curving nature of a "meander".

snake

Implies a winding or twisting movement reminiscent of a snake, similar to a directional "meander".

zigzag

Describes a series of sharp turns, representing an erratic "meander".

FAQs

How can I use "meander" in a sentence?

You can use "meander" to describe how a river flows, as in "The river "meandered" through the valley". It can also describe someone's actions if they are moving without a clear destination, such as "They "meandered" through the park".

What's the difference between "wander" and "meander"?

"Wander" and "meander" both imply moving without a specific destination. However, "meander" often suggests a more curving or indirect path, like a river, while "wander" can imply simply moving aimlessly in any direction.

What are some synonyms for "meander"?

Some synonyms for "meander" include "wander", "wind", "ramble", and "deviate". The best choice will depend on the specific context.

Is "meander" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "meander" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing natural features or processes. However, when describing human actions, consider whether a more precise verb would be more suitable.