meander
[ mee-an-der ]
/ miˈæn dər /
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verb (used without object)
to proceed by or take a winding or indirect course: The stream meandered through the valley.
to wander aimlessly; ramble: The talk meandered on.
verb (used with object)
Surveying. to define the margin of (a body of water) with a meander line.
noun
Usually meanders. turnings or windings; a winding path or course.
a circuitous movement or journey.
an intricate variety of fret or fretwork.
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Origin of meander
1570–80; <Latin maeander<Greek maíandros a winding, special use of Maíandros, the Menderes River, noted for its winding course
OTHER WORDS FROM meander
me·an·der·er, nounme·an·der·ing·ly, adverbun·me·an·der·ing, adjectiveun·me·an·der·ing·ly, adverbOther definitions for meander (2 of 2)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use meander in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for meander (1 of 2)
meander
/ (mɪˈændə) /
verb (intr)
to follow a winding course
to wander without definite aim or direction
noun
(often plural) a curve or bend, as in a river
(often plural) a winding course or movement
an ornamental pattern, esp as used in ancient Greek architecture
Derived forms of meander
meanderer, nounmeandering, adjectivemeanderingly, adverbmeandrous, adjectiveWord Origin for meander
C16: from Latin maeander, from Greek Maiandros the River Maeander; see Menderes (sense 1)
British Dictionary definitions for meander (2 of 2)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Scientific definitions for meander
meander
[ mē-ăn′dər ]
A sinuous curve, bend, or loop along the course of a stream or river.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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