roam
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
verb
noun
Related Words
Roam, ramble, range, rove imply wandering about over (usually) a considerable amount of territory. Roam implies a wandering or traveling over a large area, especially as prompted by restlessness or curiosity: to roam through a forest. Ramble implies pleasant, carefree moving about, walking with no specific purpose and for a limited distance: to ramble through fields near home. Range usually implies wandering over a more or less defined but extensive area in search of something: Cattle range over the plains. Rove sometimes implies wandering with specific incentive or aim, as an animal for prey: Bandits rove through these mountains.
Other Word Forms
- roamer noun
- unroaming adjective
Etymology
Origin of roam
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English romen origin uncertain
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The property also features an abundance of wildlife and cattle, which freely roam the ranch land—something they have done since “the monks first arrived,” the listing revealed.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026
Think of agents as autonomous digital bots that roam up and down a company probing and executing its business process.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026
Chickens roam a fenced enclosure, laying eggs that appear in dishes at Sunday brunch.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026
On the flanks, the balance of Bath duo Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill brought a winning formula in the autumn, with number eight Ben Earl able to roam and be at his explosive best.
From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026
Her brow crinkles, her head tilts, she bites her lower lip, and her eyes roam: up, down; left, right; shoulder to shoulder; head to toe.
From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
