ramble

[ ram-buhl ]

verb (used without object)

, ram·bled, ram·bling.

1. to wander around in a leisurely, aimless manner:

   They rambled through the shops until closing time.

   Synonyms: straggle, stray, amble, saunter, stroll

2. to take a course with many turns or windings, as a stream or path.
3. to grow in a random, unsystematic fashion:

   The vine rambled over the walls and tree trunks.

4. to talk or write in a discursive, aimless way (usually followed by on ):

   The speaker rambled on with anecdote after anecdote.

verb (used with object)

, ram·bled, ram·bling.

1. to walk aimlessly or idly over or through:

   They spent the spring afternoon rambling woodland paths.

noun

1. a walk without a definite route, taken merely for pleasure.

ramble

/ ˈræmbəl /

verb

1. to stroll about freely, as for relaxation, with no particular direction
2. (of paths, streams, etc) to follow a winding course; meander
3. (of plants) to grow in a random fashion
4. (of speech, writing, etc) to lack organization

noun

1. a leisurely stroll, esp in the countryside

Word History and Origins

Origin of ramble¹

First recorded in 1610–20; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of ramble¹

C17: probably related to Middle Dutch rammelen to roam (of animals); see ram

Synonym Study

See roam.

Example Sentences

It seemed that allegations of frailty and inability to lead did not stick to Trump — who might ramble and give odd answers but typically sounded forceful and self-assured.

From Los Angeles Times

Inspired by Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble shows in Woodstock, Terrapin Crossroads featured many informal jam sessions headed by Lesh, who often played with his now grown sons as the Terrapin Family Band; he also brought incarnations of Phil Lesh and Friends to the venue.

From Los Angeles Times

They noted, among other things, Trump’s tendency to “ramble, meander, and crudely lash out at his many perceived grievances.”

From Los Angeles Times

But, no objective observer could describe such a life as a "ramble".

From BBC

But, more often, he presented it as "a chapter of accidents" and "a diverting and enjoyable ramble through life".

From BBC