Definition of stroll

The word "stroll" originates from the Old French word "estrol", which means "early morning hour". However, its modern meaning as a leisurely and relaxed walk has a more complicated etymology. In Old English, the word for walking was "wealcan", derived from the Old Germanic "walhan" meaning "to wander or travel". This word eventually evolved into Middle English "walke" and then "walken" in Early Modern English. In the late 16th century, the word "stroll" emerged in English, but its meaning initially referred to a midday stop for dinner during a journey. By the mid-17th century, "stroll" also began to indicate a relaxed and leisurely walk, particularly as an urban activity. Over time, the meaning of "stroll" has continued to develop, particularly as a result of changes in urban lifestyles. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, "strolling" actors and musicians became popular entertainers, and the word "stroll" also began to be associated with leisurely and aimless walks through urban areas. Today, "stroll" continues to be used to describe a relaxed and leisurely walk, especially in a park, garden, or other scenic or urban location. Its etymology provides a fascinating insight into the evolution of English vocabulary and its relationship to historical events and cultural ideals.