To wander means to walk or move around without a specific destination or plan. When you wander through a museum, you're not rushing to see particular exhibits in order. You're exploring freely, stopping wherever something catches your eye. A hiker might wander off the main trail to investigate an interesting rock formation, or your mind might wander during a boring lecture, drifting from dinosaurs to lunch to your friend's birthday party.

The word suggests a pleasant, unhurried quality. Wandering isn't the same as being lost: when you're lost, you're trying to find your way but can't. When you wander, you're choosing to explore without a fixed route. Sheep might wander across a hillside, grazing where the grass looks good. Your eyes might wander around a room, taking in different details.

People sometimes say someone has a wandering spirit when they love to travel and explore new places. The word can also describe things that curve or meander, like a river that wanders and bends across the landscape instead of flowing in a straight line.