wanderlust
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of wanderlust
First recorded in 1850–55; from German, from wander(n) “to wander” ( wander ) + Lust “desire” ( lust )
Explanation
A strong desire to travel is called wanderlust. If you dream of backpacking through Europe and then taking a quick spin through southeast Asia, you have wanderlust. The Germans call the strong urge for travel wanderlust, literally a desire for wandering. We loved the German efficiency of the word so much we annexed it for our own language. With a word like lust inside it, wanderlust really captures the dreamy passion travelers all share. Sometimes the word is also used for people who can't make a commitment to a job or a relationship.
Vocabulary lists containing wanderlust
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2015 Spelling Bee - Words from Round 2
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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.
He repeats the tall tales, and he sympathizes with their struggles with wanderlust and the challenge of finding civilian clothes that fit and are affordable.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025
It encouraged wanderlust as Sal and Dean traveled across the country, indulging in their freedoms and desires with almost reckless abandon.
From Salon • Jul. 30, 2025
Watts's main advice for readers with a similar wanderlust is to consider travelling further afield.
From BBC • Apr. 19, 2025
The annual expression of wanderlust is happening at a time when Americans tell pollsters they are worried about the economy and the direction of the country.
From Seattle Times • May 23, 2024
I do think there are some interesting connections between the poet in ‘Song of Myself’ and Margo Spiegelman—all that wild charisma and wanderlust.
From "Paper Towns" by John Green
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.
