Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day - "Wanderlust"

Release Date: January 23, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski
Podcast: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

Introduction to "Wanderlust"

In the January 23rd episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski introduces the word "wanderlust" (spelled W-A-N-D-E-R-L-U-S-T). Defined as a noun, wanderlust refers to a strong desire to travel or an intense urge to explore the world.

“Wanderlust is a noun. It refers to a strong desire to travel.”
— Peter Sokolowski [00:05]

Usage in Literature

To illustrate the meaning of wanderlust, Sokolowski references a passage from Ben Goldfarb's How Rhode Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet. He presents a scenario involving the Red Desert herd's annual migration:

“In a few weeks, Ortega explained, in a quiet moment, the Red Desert herd would begin its annual pilgrimage towards Summer range. Some were homebodies, wandering only a few dozen miles. Others, as Hall Sawyer had shown, would trek 150 miles. And one legendary doe, Deer, 255, ditched her herd mates and pressed on up to the Gros Ventre Range, along the shores of Jackson Lake, and across the Snake R all the way to Idaho. Was this mere wanderlust or part of a broader survival strategy?”
— Peter Sokolowski [00:20]

This example highlights how wanderlust can manifest both as a spontaneous desire to explore and as a strategic movement for survival.

Notable Quotes on Wanderlust

Sokolowski delves into the philosophical aspect of wanderlust by quoting Robert Louis Stevenson from Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes:

“I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move. Sounds like a case of wanderlust, if we ever heard one.”
— Peter Sokolowski [00:45]

This quote encapsulates the essence of wanderlust, emphasizing the journey over the destination and the intrinsic motivation to keep moving.

Etymology of "Wanderlust"

Exploring the origins of the word, Sokolowski breaks down its components:

“Wanderlust is a lust for wandering. The word comes from German, in which wandern means to wander, hike, or stray, and lust means pleasure or desire.”
— Peter Sokolowski [01:15]

Understanding its German roots, wanderlust combines the act of wandering with a strong desire, painting a clear picture of its meaning.

Conclusion and Further Resources

Wrapping up the episode, Peter Sokolowski encourages listeners to embrace their wanderlust or understand it in others. He also invites the audience to explore more words, definitions, wordplay, and trending terms by visiting the Merriam-Webster website.

“With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski. Visit Merriam Webster.com today for definitions, wordplay, and trending. Word lookups.”
— Peter Sokolowski [01:30]

Key Takeaways:

• Definition: Wanderlust is a strong desire to travel.
• Literary Usage: Demonstrates wanderlust through animal migration and personal travel motivations.
• Notable Insight: The journey and movement itself are central to the concept of wanderlust.
• Etymology: Originates from German, combining "wandern" (to wander) and "lust" (desire).

For those intrigued by the concept of wanderlust or looking to expand their vocabulary, Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day offers valuable insights and resources.