perambulate

[ per-am-byuh-leyt ]

verb (used with object)

, per·am·bu·lat·ed, per·am·bu·lat·ing.

1. to walk through, about, or over; travel through; traverse.
2. to traverse in order to examine or inspect.

verb (used without object)

, per·am·bu·lat·ed, per·am·bu·lat·ing.

1. to walk or travel about; stroll.

   Synonyms: ramble, meander, mosey, amble, promenade, saunter

perambulate

/ -trɪ; pəˈræmbjʊˌleɪt; pəˈræmbjʊlətərɪ /

verb

1. to walk about (a place)
2. tr to walk round in order to inspect

Derived Forms

• perˌambuˈlation, noun
• perambulatory, adjective

Other Words From

• per·ambu·lation noun
• per·am·bu·la·to·ry [per-, am, -by, uh, -l, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perambulate¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from Latin perambulātus, past participle of perambulāre “to walk through”; per-, ambulate

Word History and Origins

Origin of perambulate¹

C16: from Latin perambulāre to traverse, from per through + ambulāre to walk

Example Sentences

The route: Start your day by perambulating lazily around the historic Dory Fleet Market, checking out the crab and seafood offerings.

From Los Angeles Times

The first edition of the Sherlock Holmes' adventure Hound Of The Baskervilles is signed with the comment: "I perambulated Dartmoor before I wrote this book," a reference to the book's setting.

From BBC

Scaling Southern California’s tallest peaks provides a purer rush than perambulating its most famous streets, but the streets stick with you.

From Los Angeles Times

"It was then reported, that a mad woman was in the habit of disturbing the neighbours, by perambulating the church-yard and other walks, in strange and uncouth dresses," the magazine article added.

From Salon

Stalked by Catherine’s perambulating ghost, and infused with live music by Ian Ross that feels somehow like earth and air, this is a show with a gloriously untamed spirit.

From New York Times