wander
- To walk or move around slowly without a particular plan or destination.
- To let your mind drift away from what you are supposed to be thinking about.
In a sentence
- The children were allowed to wander through the meadow as long as they stayed within sight of the farmhouse.
- During the long lecture, her mind began to wander and she started thinking about her upcoming birthday party.
Usage note. Do not confuse 'wander' (to roam) with 'wonder' (to feel curious); they sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Where it comes from
English wander · entered English 10th c.
From Old English 'wandrian,' meaning to roam or move about aimlessly. It is related to Old High German 'wantōn' and shares roots with the Proto-Germanic family of words about turning or winding. The word has been used in English since at least the 10th century.