Meandering: meaning, definitions and examples

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meandering

[mɪˈændərɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in nature

to follow a winding and turning course

Synonyms

turn, twist, wind.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
meandering	Often used to describe a winding path, road, or stream that does not follow a straight course. It can also describe someone speaking or thinking in a way that wanders from the main point. The meandering river carved out a beautiful valley His meandering explanation made it hard to follow his main point
wind	Commonly used to describe something that follows a course full of bends and turns. Often used for roads and rivers, it highlights the serpentine motion. The hiking trail winds through the dense forest The river winds its way down to the ocean
twist	Ideal for describing something that bends or contorts sharply and can also be used figuratively for unexpected changes or complications. The twist in the road ahead is quite sharp The plot twist at the end of the movie was surprising
turn	Best used to indicate a change in direction or position. It can be literal, as in changing direction, or figurative, as in changing topics in conversation. Take a turn at the next intersection to reach the park The conversation took an unexpected turn when he mentioned his travels

Examples of usage

The river meandered through the valley.
The hiking trail meandered through the forest.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in conversation

to talk or write in a wandering or aimless manner

Synonyms

digress, ramble, wander.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
meandering	Used to describe a winding or indirect path, either physically or in speech or thought. It suggests a casual, relaxed movement without a specific destination. The river was meandering through the countryside Her writing was meandering, but it was enjoyable to read
ramble	Used to describe speaking or writing at length in a confused or disorganized way. It often has a negative connotation, implying the speaker is going on without focus or purpose. He tends to ramble when he’s nervous Her letter was a ramble of disconnected thoughts
digress	Used when someone temporarily moves away from the main topic of discussion or writing. Often formal in tone. He started to discuss the finance report, but then he digressed into talking about his weekend Let me digress for a moment to explain the history behind this practice
wander	Used to describe moving or traveling without a fixed course, often casually or aimlessly. It can also describe someone’s thoughts drifting away from the main subject. They wandered around the city, exploring different neighborhoods My mind started to wander during the long meeting

Examples of usage

She meandered from one topic to another during the meeting.
His speech meandered, making it hard to follow his point.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

geography

a looplike bend in the course of a river or road

Synonyms

bend, curve, loop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
meandering	When describing something that winds or twists without a specific direction, often used for rivers, roads, or paths. It gives a sense of a leisurely, winding motion. The meandering river flowed gently through the valley. They enjoyed meandering through the old streets of the town.
loop	Used when the path, road, or any other line comes back upon itself, forming a circular or nearly circular shape. It often implies a returning to a starting point or encompassing something. The jogging trail loops around the park. She tied the rope into a loop.
bend	Used when there is a specific change in direction, often referring to roads, rivers, or objects. It implies a clear and often sharp turn. The road takes a sharp bend just past the bridge. There is a bend in the river where the current speeds up.
curve	Appropriate for describing a smooth, continuous, and gradual change in direction. It can be used for roads, design elements, and even body shapes. The elegant curve of the staircase added beauty to the room. The car followed the gentle curve in the road.

Examples of usage

The map showed several meanders along the river.
The road took a meander through the hills.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Derived from the word 'Meander', a river in Turkey known for its twisty path.
The term has existed in the English language since the late 1700s, originally referring to the river's winding nature.

Nature

Meandering rivers are often slower-moving and create unique ecosystems along their banks.
The bends and turns in a meandering river help distribute sediments and nutrients, fostering biodiversity in surrounding areas.

Literature

Authors sometimes describe characters as meandering to show their unpredictability or lack of direction.
In storytelling, a meandering plot can create suspense and allow for deeper character exploration.

Psychology

Meandering thoughts are seen in daydreaming, where the mind wanders to different ideas instead of focusing on one.
Research suggests that allowing for mental meandering can boost creativity and problem-solving skills.

Art

In art, meandering lines can convey movement and fluidity, often seen in abstract works.
The technique of meandering is used in calligraphy, where letters flow in a curvy style to create elegance.

Translations

Translations of the word "meandering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 serpenteando

🇮🇳 घुमावदार

🇩🇪 schlängelnd

🇮🇩 berliku-liku

🇺🇦 звивистий

🇵🇱 meandrujący

🇯🇵 曲がりくねった

🇫🇷 sinueux

🇪🇸 serpenteante

🇹🇷 kıvrımlı

🇰🇷 굽이치는

🇸🇦 متعرج

🇨🇿 klikatý

🇸🇰 kľukatý

🇨🇳 蜿蜒

🇸🇮 vijugast

🇮🇸 bugðóttur

🇰🇿 ирелеңдеу

🇬🇪 მოხვეული

🇦🇿 dolayı

🇲🇽 serpenteante

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,489, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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20487 statuary
20488 vocations
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20490 vibratory
20491 flirting
20492 symbolical
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