Definition of meander

The word "meander" derives from the ancient Greek river Mæander, which winded and twisted its way through the landscape. The river's name, in turn, comes from the Greek verb meandoun, which means "to wind" or "to turn back upon itself." The term "meander" was first used in English in the early 17th century to describe winding or sinuous lines, such as those found in intricate decorative patterns. Today, the word is commonly used to refer to winding or wavy pathways, and in a broader sense, it can describe any slow, twisting, or more leisurely movement or process. The Mæander River served as a prominent example in ancient Greek literature and art, and its name and image became a symbol of changeability and continuity. The river's journey is a metaphor for the twists and turns of life, and the idea of following a meandering path has been used to represent a more leisurely, contemplative, or flexible approach to navigating the world.