walkabout

noun

walk·​about ˈwȯ-kə-ˌbau̇t 

1

: a short period of wandering bush life engaged in by an Australian aborigine as an occasional interruption of regular work

—often used in the phrase go walkabout

the man who went walkabout was making a ritual journey

—Bruce Chatwin

2

: something (such as a journey) similar to a walkabout

3

: a walking tour

especially, British : one in which a well-known person mingles with the public

went walkabout in the streets

Examples of walkabout in a Sentence

Many people gathered to meet the Queen during her walkabout.

Recent Examples on the Web

Prince William was warmly welcomed by excited schoolchildren and locals who came out to see him, where one woman's bold red hair caught his attention during an impromptu walkabout. —Janine Henni, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025

In addition to visiting Cycle of Life on Jan. 23, Prince William also met with members of the Tiber Young People’s Steering Group, took part in a kickabout with young people and met well-wishers in a walkabout. —Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025

Prince Louis, who is set to turn seven this year and is a veteran of many palace balcony moments, had a shy turn during a recent walkabout. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025

For the walkabout, Charlotte wore a blue coat dress embroidered with a tartan pattern, navy tights and black Mary Jane pumps. —Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing walkabout

• go walkabout

Rhymes for walkabout

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• turnabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout