# meander

**Pronunciation:** /miˈændər/ · mee-AN-der

**CEFR level:** B1

**Part of speech:** verb

## Meaning 1: Movement

To follow a winding and indirect course; to wander aimlessly.

## Examples

- The path meandered through the forest.
- His thoughts meandered as he drifted off to sleep.
- The conversation meandered from one topic to another without a clear direction.

## Meaning 2: River Course

A winding or sinuous course, especially of a river.

## Examples

- The map showed the river's meander through the countryside.
- Engineers studied the meander of the river to predict flood patterns.
- The natural meander of the stream created a beautiful landscape.

## Synonyms

- wander — To move without a fixed destination.
- roam — To wander over a wide area.
- stroll — To walk in a leisurely way.
- zigzag — To move in a series of sharp turns.
- undulate — To move with a smooth, wave-like motion.

## Antonyms

- straighten — To make something straight.
- proceed directly — To move forward without deviation.

## Common patterns

- meander through — To follow a winding path across or within an area. — The river meanders through the fertile plains.
- meander along — To follow a winding path beside something. — The road meanders along the coastline.
- meander into — To follow a winding path leading into a place. — His thoughts meandered into memories of childhood.

## Collocations

- meander through — The stream meandered through the meadow.
- meander along — The path meandered along the coast.

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