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wanderlust

a strong desire or urge to travel and explore the world

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Where does the word "wanderlust" come from? It comes from German wandern, passing through German before entering English (1900s).

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Where does the word "wanderlust" come from? It comes from German wandern, passing through German before entering English (1900s).

Wanderlust’s story begins in German: wandern meant “to wander, hike.” Meaning "to hike" or "to wander". Within German, it grew into Wanderlust by 1800s. Combining "wandern" with "Lust" (desire). It reached English by 1900s as wanderlust. German 'wandering desire', associated with Romantic hiking culture. Today, wanderlust means a strong desire or urge to travel and explore the world.

  1. Stage 1 · German · medieval wandern "to wander, hike", meaning "to hike" or "to wander".
  2. Stage 2 · German · 1800s Wanderlust "a desire to travel", combining "wandern" with "Lust" (desire).
  3. Stage 3 · English · 1900s wanderlust "a strong desire to travel", German 'wandering desire', associated with Romantic hiking culture.

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