meander

¹

[ mee-an-der ]

verb (used without object)

1. to proceed by or take a winding or indirect course:

   The stream meandered through the valley.

   Synonyms: coil, snake, twist, wind, wander

2. to wander aimlessly; ramble:

   The talk meandered on.

verb (used with object)

1. Surveying. to define the margin of (a body of water) with a meander line.

noun

1. Usually meanders. turnings or windings; a winding path or course.
2. a circuitous movement or journey.
3. an intricate variety of fret or fretwork.

Meander

²

[ mee-an-der ]

noun

1. ancient name of the Menderes ( def 2 ).

Meander

¹

/ miːˈændə /

noun

1. a variant spelling of Maeander

meander

²

/ mɪˈændə /

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

meander

/ mē-ăn′dər /

1. A sinuous curve, bend, or loop along the course of a stream or river.

Derived Forms

• meˈanderingly, adverb
• meˈandering, adjective
• meˈandrous, adjective
• meˈanderer, noun

Other Words From

• me·an·der·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of meander¹

1570–80; < Latin maeander < Greek maíandros a winding, special use of Maíandros, the Menderes River, noted for its winding course

Word History and Origins

Origin of meander¹

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

Example Sentences

There’s a phase between wakefulness and sleep known as hypnagogia, during which we may experience hallucinations and our thoughts become illogical and meandering.

From New York Times

Drive through enough neighborhoods in Los Angeles, and you might notice an odd phenomenon: In front of some newer apartment and commercial buildings, the street is slightly wider, and the sidewalk meanders around the indentation.

From Los Angeles Times

Reaching anything needing attention can take days or even weeks because the lines that carry water to customers meander through valleys, over ridgelines, and along roadways, many of which remain impassable.

From Salon

Other coaches could lose their players through meandering mottos.

From Los Angeles Times

We cross a vast countryside - scrub and grassland plains interspersed with views of lush farms – and pass a meandering river, craggy terrain and undulating hills.

From BBC

Related Words

• drift
• ramble
• roam
• snake
• stray
• stroll
• traipse