meander around

USAGE SUMMARY

"meander around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to wander or move in a leisurely and indirect way. Here are a few examples of how you could use it in a sentence: - We spent the afternoon meandering around the city, stopping to browse in various shops and cafes. - The river meanders around the hills, creating a picturesque landscape. - She liked to meander around the park on her lunch break, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. - As the tour guide led us through the castle, we meandered around the various rooms and corridors, taking in the rich history and beautiful architecture. - Instead of taking the direct route, we decided to meander around the back roads and enjoy the scenic drive.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I can still go to a pub and have a pint and meander around," he clarifies.

Independent

Long Island pharmacists talk of the twitchy arrivals who meander around, peering at the ceiling.

The New York Times

I meander around, stepping into RVs with names like Raptor, Cougar and Cyclone.

The Washington Post

"He hadn't worked out how to write middle eights and the compositions would meander around and come to a close.

Independent

Robe-wearing monks meander around, in front of cartoon drawings and figures of Xian'er, the "Worthy Stupid Robot Monk".

TechCrunch

My plan was to meander around and talk to anyone who looked interesting, which at the time seemed like a fairly easy task.

Vice

Some meander around, and they cannot get to the point.

The New York Times

Maura is left alone to meander around the festival.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Where hundreds of oil wells once stood, joggers and photographers navigate popular walkways and trails that meander around gated communities with dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean and the L.A. Basin.

Los Angeles Times

But the only section that's applicable to this tour is the Sackler Wing, where Harry and Sally meander around the Temple of Dendur, which was saved from being drowned by the Aswan Dam.

BBC

5. Put Frenchtown in the frame The modish French Concession comes into focus with a meander around its leafy back streets.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "meander around" to describe leisurely, undirected movement, especially when the path isn't straight or obvious. For example, "The hiking trail meandered around the lake."

Common error

Don't use "meander around" when describing actions that are direct or time-sensitive. For example, it would be incorrect to say, "The ambulance meandered around the traffic to get to the hospital."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meander around" functions as an intransitive phrasal verb, describing a type of movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies moving in a leisurely or undirected manner. Examples include "I can still go to a pub and have a pint and meander around" and "Maura is left alone to meander around the festival."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Travel

16%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

6%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "meander around" is a phrasal verb that effectively conveys the idea of moving in a leisurely and undirected way. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it appears frequently enough in news media, travel writing, and descriptive contexts to be considered familiar. Its function is primarily descriptive, and its register is generally neutral. When writing, consider using synonyms like "wander about" or "stroll around" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Ensure that the context involves physical movement without a specific goal, avoiding its use for urgent or purposeful actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wander about

Similar meaning, emphasizes aimless movement.

stroll around

Suggests a relaxed and unhurried walk.

roam around

Implies a wider, less structured exploration.

drift about

Conveys a sense of being carried or moving without direction.

saunter around

Suggests a leisurely and confident manner of walking.

promenade around

Suggests a more formal and deliberate walk.

ramble around

Emphasizes a winding and undirected path.

perambulate around

A more formal synonym for walking around.

cruise around

Implies a more casual and recreational movement.

lope around

Suggests a relaxed and unhurried gait, often used for animals.

FAQs

How can I use "meander around" in a sentence?

You can use "meander around" to describe a leisurely, undirected movement. For instance, "We decided to "stroll around" the park after lunch" or "The river "winds through" the valley, creating a beautiful landscape".

What does "meander around" mean?

"Meander around" means to wander or move in a slow, relaxed, and indirect way, without a specific destination or purpose. It suggests a pleasant and unhurried journey or exploration.

What are some alternatives to "meander around"?

Alternatives to "meander around" include "wander about", "stroll around", "roam around", "drift about", or "saunter around". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "meander around" in formal writing?

While "meander around" is generally acceptable, it is more suited to informal or descriptive writing. In formal contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "navigate", "traverse", or "circumnavigate" depending on the intended meaning.