meander

 
Pronunciation: /mɪˈandə/

verb

[no object, with adverbial of direction]
  • (of a river or road) follow a winding course: a river that meandered gently through a meadow
  • wander at random: kids meandered in and out
  • [no object] (of language, thought, etc.) proceed aimlessly or with little purpose: a stylish offbeat thriller which occasionally meanders

noun

(usually meanders)
  • a winding curve or bend of a river or road: the river flows in sweeping meanders
  • [in singular] an indirect or aimless journey: a leisurely meander round the twisting coastline road
  • an ornamental pattern of winding or interlocking lines.

Origin:

late 16th century (as a noun): from Latin maeander, from Greek Maiandros, the name of a river (see Menderes)