Wanderlust: meaning, definitions and examples

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wanderlust

 

[ ˈwɒndərlʌst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

desire to travel

Wanderlust is a strong desire or impulse to explore the world and travel to new places. It reflects a deep emotional connection to the idea of adventure and discovery. Often associated with a longing for travel and exploration, it can inspire individuals to embark on journeys, both near and far. Wanderlust can motivate people to seek new experiences, cultures, and landscapes, ultimately enriching their lives. This term encapsulates the yearning for freedom and the thrill of discovering new horizons.

Synonyms

adventure spirit, explorer's yearning, travel bug.

Examples of usage

  • Her wanderlust took her to dozens of countries around the globe.
  • After years of office work, he was overwhelmed by wanderlust and decided to travel for a year.
  • The film captured the wanderlust of the main character as she traversed through picturesque landscapes.

Translations

Translations of the word "wanderlust" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desejo de viajar

🇮🇳 यात्रा की लालसा

🇩🇪 Reiselust

🇮🇩 kerinduan untuk bepergian

🇺🇦 прагнення до подорожей

🇵🇱 żądza podróży

🇯🇵 旅行への欲望

🇫🇷 envie de voyager

🇪🇸 deseo de viajar

🇹🇷 seyahat arzusu

🇰🇷 여행에 대한 열망

🇸🇦 رغبة السفر

🇨🇿 touha po cestování

🇸🇰 túžba po cestovaní

🇨🇳 旅行的渴望

🇸🇮 želja po potovanjih

🇮🇸 þrá fyrir ferðalögum

🇰🇿 саяхатқа деген құштарлық

🇬🇪 მოგზაურობის სურვილი

🇦🇿 səyahət etmə istəyi

🇲🇽 deseo de viajar

Etymology

The term 'wanderlust' originates from the German language, combining two key components: 'wandern', meaning 'to hike or travel', and 'Lust', meaning 'desire' or 'pleasure'. The word came into usage in the early 20th century, reflecting the increasing popularity of travel that began with the expansion of rail transport and later, air travel. As people gained more access to various destinations, the concept of wanderlust captured the imagination of those yearning for adventure beyond their familiar surroundings. It reflects not just a desire to travel but also a deeper longing for experience, culture, and freedom. This longing for exploration can be traced through various literary works and art, emphasizing humanity's innate curiosity and desire to connect with the world. Today, wanderlust is embraced by travelers, adventurers, and those who seek to break free from routine, resonating strongly in the culture of modern exploration.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,303, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.